BY FERLIE GUMBOK/UM INTERN
AS SUMMER vacation draws near, the Police Regional Office XI said it will deploy more than 3,000 personnel in major town fares, seaports, airports, terminals, and resorts to ensure travelers’ security and safety.
During the AFP-PNP Press Corps forum on March 27, Major Catherine Dela Rey, the spokesperson for Police Regional Office XI, assured that they strengthened security measures in anticipation of Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2024.
Sumvac refers to summer vacation, in which students are expected to return to their hometowns or families to visit tourist destinations to unwind. Earlier, the Department of Education announced that the school year will end on May 31, 2024, and resume on July 29, 2024.
She also reminded motorists to follow BLOWBAGETS before they go on the road. BLOWBAGETS is a checklist that stands for battery (B), lights (L), oil (O), water (W), brake (B), air (A), gas (G), engine (E), tire (T), and self (S).
Meanwhile, Lt. Commander Angel Tobias, Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao spokesperson, said they routinely inspect beach resorts, ships, and other commuter vessels for public safety.
For instance, they ensure the resorts are registered with the Department of Tourism and equipped with rescue equipment in case of emergencies. The Coast Guard is also on the lookout for “colorum” vessels.
