PNP to deploy 170,000 cops for summer security

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to deploy around 170,000 police officers nationwide to ensure a safe, hassle-free summer vacation, which will start on Friday, an official said yesterday.

PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the PNP will implement a 90-day summer security plan dubbed “Ligtas SumVac 2018” on March 23.

Dela Rosa said the start of the Ligtas SumVac 2018 will coincide with the closing of the school year.

“The 90-day security plan covers the last week of March until the second week of June to ensure a safe and secure summer holiday season,” he said.

The PNP will conduct mandatory security checks at airports, seaports and bus terminals to guard against criminals and terrorists.

Ligtas SumVac 2018 will be in effect during the Holy Week break and closing of the school year in March through April, the fiesta and Flores de Mayo season in May and up to the opening of classes in June, Dela Rosa said.

The PNP will field more security personnel and establish assistance desks in seaports and domestic and international airports nationwide.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will spearhead Oplan Bantay-Lakbay in coordination with the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other concerned government agencies.

“There have been no validated reports of terrorist threats in Metro Manila while security forces and the intelligence network are continuously monitoring and doing their jobs,” Dela Rosa added.

At least 11,801 police officers will be deployed in Metro Manila to secure private and government installations during the Holy Week, NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said yesterday. – Non Alquitran