GENERAL SANTOS CITY – The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 (Soccsksargen) will put up additional security checkpoints in the region’s boundary areas in line with its intensified campaign against criminality and terrorism.

Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, PRO-12 director, said Friday the new checkpoints would be established in strategic areas along the boundary highways of the region’s four provinces and four cities.

Tagum said the checkpoints would be operated by personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12, which is tasked to monitor people and vehicles entering the region.

“This is part of our security preparations for the Christmas season and the upcoming elections,” he told reporters.

Tagum cited the regional police’s newly launched “Oplan Iron Clad” or Integrated and Revitalized Operation of Neighborhood Watch Against Criminality, Lawlessness, and Disasters.

As part of the campaign, he directed all provincial, city, and municipal police stations and offices to ensure the “round-the-clock” security monitoring and law enforcement within their areas of responsibility.

He cited the increased police visibility and the conduct of mobile security patrols 24/7 or 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

He said they would also sustain the implementation of Oplan Bakal-Sita and Oplan Bulabog along the highways, streets, and other public areas.

“This is to further deter the occurrence of crimes and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Tagum said.

He said these strategies have been proven to be effective in maintaining peace and order and security in the region.

Tagum said the number of recorded index crimes in the area has dropped to 18.75 percent this year from 34 percent in 2016. (PNA)