PRO-7: Security measures in place for long weekend

CEBU, Philippines — Following Malacañang's announcement of a four-day long weekend starting today, Aug. 23,2024, until Monday next week, the Police Regional Office-7 has assured that tight security measures are in place across Central Visayas.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Proclamation 665, rescheduling Ninoy Aquino Day from Wednesday, August 21, 2024, to Friday, August 23, 2024.

Malacañang explained that this change creates a “longer weekend,” that promotes domestic tourism, and preserves the historical importance of the commemoration.

“In order to provide for a longer weekend thereby promoting domestic tourism, the celebration of Ninoy Aquino Day may be moved from 21 August 2024 (Wednesday) to 23 August 2024 (Friday),” Malacañang wrote.

With this effect, PRO-7 will enhance its security measures, especially in Cebu, which will also host the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo festival at the Cebu City Sports Center on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

PRO-7 spokesperson Col. Gerard Ace Pelare noted that this period is particularly "unique" for Cebu, as the long weekend will draw visitors from various provinces to the city and vice versa.

“This is a very unique time for us because there is a Pasigarbo sa Sugbo so expectedly, people from the provinces will watch the Pasigarbo but there will also be people from the city who will be coming to provinces because it's a long weekend,” said Pelare.

PRO-7 has also assured the public that police will be deployed across Central Visayas to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the situation.

“We don't want to lower our guards in those places bisan pa og naay events diri sa Cebu City. We want to assure the public that our forces (are) strategically scattered all throughout Central Visayas to make sure criminal elements will not have criminal opportunity to perpetrate criminal actions,” Pelare added.

Pelare also stressed the importance of remaining vigilant and promptly reporting any suspicious activities to authorities, even while enjoying the festivities. — (FREEMAN)