SPD steps up security measures for Xmas season

MANILA, Philippines - The Southern Police District (SPD) on Friday said it would be stepping up security measures during the Christmas season.

Chief Supt. Jose Edwin Villacorte, SPD director,  said there is a need to update the operational guidleines on the conduct of security coverage, public safety messures and other police services to ensure  peace and order in shopping malls, transport terminals and other places where shoppers will converge.

Villacorte ordered SPD deputy for operations chief, Supt. Augustus Placer,  to review  previous security concerns and to improve the district's security coverage for the holiday season.

In particular, Villacorte said the SPD will be intensifying its foot and mobile patrols in malls, churches, entertainment centers , jeppney terminals, markets and at the Metro Rail Transit and Light Railway Transit stations.

Villacorte added that the SPD's tactical motorized rider units are also tasked to go after criminals riding on motorcycles.

The SPD will also be establishing police assistance centers (PACS) where the public could ask for immediate police assistance. - Mike Frialde