The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) is set to intensify security preparations for the Holy Week, particularly focusing on areas that are expected to draw many people such as churches.

Supt. Patricio Degay Jr. who recently took over the helm of the TCPS as acting chief said that the more than 30 policemen deployed to Cebu will be ordered to return to Bohol.

The augmentation force which was tasked to secure areas in Cebu for the Association of Southeast Nations Summit (ASEAN) meetings in the province will be needed to boost security in Tagbilaran City, said Degay.

The TCPS has also coordinated with Church officials in the city to plan out security measures in churches which are expected to draw large crowds during the Holy Week.

After the observance of the Holy Week, the TCPS will then divert its focus in ensuring the safety of the ASEAN delegates and maintaining peace during their meetings in Panglao on April 19 to 22.

The ASEAN conferences in Bohol and Cebu are among 120 ministerial, senior official and technical working group meetings which will be conducted throughout the year in the country.

According to Bohol police spokesperson Sr. Insp. Vincent Paul Dumaguing, around 500 policemen from the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) are set to be deployed in key areas during the event. (Allen Doydora)