DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, August 16 (PIA) -- The local police reminded the public to practice security measures to keep themselves and their properties safe amid the resumption of in-person classes on August 22.

PLtCol. Joeson Parallag, chief of the Dumaguete City Police Station, told the public to be vigilant against thieves and robbers who are waiting for an opportunity to rob houses as people will be leaving their homes to bring to or fetch their children from school.

He also emphasized the importance of investing in the right security tools for homes, noting that most theft incidents in the city occur in homes using cheap locks or padlocks.

Parallag also urged people to always secure items that could cause fire or other hazards while they are away even for a short time.

“We encourage also the neighborhood watch. Kanang silinganay system nga atong (i-practice) na kung wala ako, (ingnon) ang silingan pakilantaw ang akong balay (We have to ask our neighbors to keep an eye our houses while we are away,” Parallag said in a recent Kapihan sa PIA forum here.

Aside from this, he discouraged public utility vehicles and motorists from overloading as he reminded them to always adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid penalties or traffic-related incidents. 

Parallag stressed the importance of observing health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We are already starting again na magbuyag sa mga tawong walay face mask. For your information, here in Dumaguete City, we have a city ordinance that we are into the enforcement of wearing face mask. Three hundred pesos ang first offense. Nagbuyag sa mi ron but if worse comes to worst, we will issue a citation ticket (We are already reprimanding persons who are not wearing face masks. For your information, we have a city ordinance here in Dumaguete City where we are into the enforcement of wearing face masks. There is a P300-fine for first offense. If worse comes to worst, we will issue a citation ticket),” Parallag said.

He also reminded residents that the curfew ordinance of the city government is still effective and the city police will apprehend those who are caught violating this. 

Parallag said these measures have been effective in curbing crime incidents in the city.

He also sought the cooperation of the community in maintaining a peaceful and secure environment. 

Meanwhile, the city police station is constant coordinating with the local division of the Department of Education (DepEd) for ensuring the security of schools on the first day of classes and also in preparation of school facilities under DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela Program. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)