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[av_heading heading=’WVRAA delegates urged: Beware of criminals’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’18’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY RUBY SILUBRICO and CAROLYN JANE ABELLO
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February 18, 2018
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ILOILO City – Just as in any huge event, delegates to the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet were advised to employ basic security measures to avoid falling victim to crimes.
While authorities will be around, being vigilant and taking extra precaution will be their first line of defense, according to the Iloilo City Police Office director.
“Our top priority is to ensure no delegate will be victimized by criminals, including snatchers and pickpockets,” said Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas.
This year’s WVRAA Meet becomes one of the biggest first-quarter events in the city, along with the Dinagyang Festival, the Jaro fiesta (Feast of the Our Lady of the Candles), the Iloilo Paraw Regatta, and the rescheduled Chinese New Year celebration. It opens today. (See story on page 16)
Police officers will surround billeting areas, playing venues and other expected areas of convergence as Iloilo province once again hosts the weeklong regional sports event.
Some 500 officers will step up security to ensure the safety of the thousands of delegates, said Biñas.
“We have detailed officers in billeting areas, playing venues, and even restaurants and other business establishments,” he said.
Police assistance desks were set up near the billeting schools and playing venues, too.
In addition, barangay officials were tapped to help patrol and intelligence officers make sure no criminal takes advantage of the delegates, especially the young athletes.
Biñas advised the delegates to secure their personal belongings, particularly gadgets, and avoid bringing huge amounts of money or jewelry.
“Avoid talking to strangers,” he said as he warned of “crooks,” including budol-budol (swindlers), who “may roam around looking for potential victims.”
“Don’t hesitate to report to the police” if emergencies or any suspicious events happen, Biñas said.
Meanwhile, each billeting school will be provided with 10 tons of water from the Metro Iloilo Water District and the fire stations.
Other agencies who will attend to the needs of the delegates are Iloilo City Emergency Response team, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, West Visayas State University Medical Center, and Provincial Health Office./PN
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