Bohol PNP to maintain alert level despite a

“generally peaceful” Christmas celebration

TAGBILARAN CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA)--Tight security measures in Bohol for the holidays will remain in place as another widely celebrated holiday approaches, New Year’s Day.

This, even as the province had a “generally peaceful” Christmas celebration, according to the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO).

BPPO Chief, Sr. Supt Felipe Natividad assured the public that police forces remain on alert to respond to any distress calls particularly in malls and bus, airport and port terminals which remain congested for the holidays.

Natividad also urged the public to maintain vigilance against any crime.

He reiterated BPPO’s call for residents not to leave houses unattended or to tightly secure these in a bid to thwart criminals seeking to take advantage of the holiday bustle.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) allowed its personnel to spend Christmas with their families but were put on-call to respond immediately to emergencies. 

Despite the suspension of offensive police operations (SOPO) against the communist New People’s Army during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, PNP chief Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Saturday ordered police units to remain on high alert. 

The declaration takes effect at 6 p.m. of December 23 until 6 p.m. of December 26; and from 6 p.m. of December 30 until 6 p.m. of January 2. (ecb/PIA7-Bohol)