The rallies held in Negros Oriental to commemorate yesterday's Human Rights Day were peaceful, police provincial director, Senior Supt. Ramon Melvin Buenafe, said.

However, preemptive measures set up by the police to thwart any terror threats will remain and the PNP will still be on a red alert status in guarding areas vulnerable to attacks, he said.

“We are not sitting down. Checkpoints, patrol of areas, and other security measures are in place,” Buenafe told the DAILY STAR yesterday.

Buenafe said the Negros Oriental PNP were on red alert status in the entire province beginning Saturday until yesterday, as cause-oriented groups planned to stage rallies.

He said they were expecting left-leaning organizations to hold simultaneous rallies in the cities of Dumaguete and Guihulngan.

The PNP is mandated to be prepared at all times to prevent any untoward incident, he said.

Buenafe also ordered all chiefs of police to conduct check points in their area of responsibility during a command conference last Friday.

He advised them to be vigilant against suspicious looking people who might disturb the peace in the province.

Buenafe assured residents and tourists that Negros Oriental remains peaceful.*RG

back to top