Authorities are stepping up security measures in Baguio City and Dagupan City as cooler weather and the holiday season are expected to draw large crowds to key areas.

In Baguio City, officials expect the number of visitors to triple in the coming days. In response, the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) has placed the city under heightened alert and increased police deployment.

BCPO spokesperson, PMaj. Marcy Grace Marron, said police adjusted their work shifts to put more officers on the ground.

“Ang Baguio City Police Office ay nasa heightened alert status na po. Ang dating three shifts namin, naging two shifts na lang para mas marami ‘yung maide-deploy sa aming deployment,” she said.

More than 1,000 BCPO personnel are assigned to monitor places of convergence, including transport terminals, churches, and tourist spots. Police also conducted inspections at bus terminals to ensure safety and order.

Authorities said they will enforce traffic rules strictly, including the number coding scheme and other ordinances.

“So we will be strictly implementing ‘yung coding natin as well as ‘yung ibang ordinances, just like ‘yung anti-road obstruction, speed limits,” Marron said.

Motorists who have no business in the central business district are advised to use designated bypass roads to help ease traffic congestion.

Meanwhile in Dagupan City, security has also been tightened in busy areas, especially shopping malls. Some establishments have increased their number of security personnel to ensure public safety during the holidays.

Rolinda Dondo, head security officer of a mall in Dagupan, said security teams patrol the area regularly.

“Kami rin po na officer, from time to time, nag-iikot din po kami sa lahat ng area para alam din po natin ‘yung seguridad na ibinibigay natin sa mga customer natin,” Dondo said.

Authorities reminded the public to stay alert and cooperate with security personnel to help keep the holiday season safe and orderly.