Chief Supt. Ager Ontog, Central Visayas police regional director, will launch the Cops on Board program in Negros Oriental this afternoon as part of a contingency plan during the observance of Holy Week.

The program was conceived to ensure the safety of the riding public, Negros Oriental provincial police director Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas said.

At least 50 PNP personnel from all over Negros Oriental have been identified for this duty during which they will wear the PNP general office attire uniforms with proper identification, Lawas added.

Gov. Roel Degamo, Dumaguete Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria, officials from the Land Transportation Office and operators of bus liners and vans-for-hire are also expected to attend the launching at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

The PNP is now on full alert in anticipation of large crowds flocking to the provinces or tourist destinations during the long weekend by the entire Christendom in deference to the passion of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, motorist assistance centers and additional police personnel will be deployed in the streets, churches, and other public places where large crowds are expected to gather for the religious celebrations, especially on Holy Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Lawas said.

On Easter Sunday, policemen will also be assigned at the beaches and beach resorts.

Lawas will hold a command conference this morning with the police chiefs and unit commanders to finalize contingency plans for the Holy Week celebration, with Ontog expected to attend.*JFP

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