Cops on Holy Week alert
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The 1,400-strong Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office force went on alert effective yesterday, as the Christian world began the observance of Holy Week.

Senior Supt. Manuel Felix, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said they have already implemented security plans to ensure that the public is safe from any threats of violence.

He also ordered the establishment of public assistance centers in seaports, bus terminals and highways, in coordination with other government agencies, to ensure that commuters, motorists and vacationers travel safely.

Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday reminded employers to implement holiday pay rules as the nation observes three holidays this week.

Nationwide regular holidays this week are the Araw ng Kagitingan today, Maundy Thursday on April 9, and Good Friday on April 10.

Araw ng Kagitingan honors the valor and heroism of the Filipinos in Bataan and Corregidor.

The Inter-Agency O-Plan Red Plate Task Force spotted 30 government vehicles sporting red plates and red stickers in different places in downtown Bacolod Saturday, Police Chief Insp. Rico Santotome Jr., said yesterday.

The 30 vehicles will be subjected to investigation by  O-Plan Red Plate Task Force to determine liability, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office spokesman said.

The use of government vehicles is prohibited on Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, beyond regular office hours or when used by spouses, children, relatives and friends of government officials and employees in weddings, baptisms, and for fetching of children and other personal purposes, Santotome said.