NEDA-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño presents the security survey result to seek the support of the RDC-10 in strengthening the security framework of Panguil Bay Bridge. (Photo: DCC/PIA-10)
MindanaoToday.com | Normin boosts security at Panguil Bay Bridge amid growing tourist interest
By: Jan Albert K. Araña
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC)-10 seeks to strengthen the security measures at the Panguil Bay Bridge as the structure slowly becomes a significant tourist attraction in the region.
“The Philippine National Police Regional Office-10, along with personnel from the DPWH Regional Office-10, conducted a security survey of the Pangil Bay Bridge on November 18 of last year to ensure the bridge’s safety and functionality because the bridge has actually been transformed into a tourism destination of sorts,” National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 Regional Director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said during the Joint RDC-10 Full Council and Advisory Committee Meeting.
The security survey was done to assess security risks, evaluate physical security infrastructure, examine traffic management, review emergency response plans, evaluate PNP checkpoints and patrols, and ensure public safety. It identified key findings such as perimeter security, physical security, personnel and patrols, emergency preparedness and response, and communication systems.
Cariño said the validation was also made by the members of the RDC 10 RPMC ad hoc monitoring committee that conducted a site visit to the Pangil Bay Bridge last January 30, which consisted of representatives coming from various national line agencies and local government units.
To address the security findings, the validation team recommended the following: the installation of additional CCTV cameras to cover blind spots from existing cameras; the installation of lighting facilities under the bridge; the installation of a perimeter fence under the bridge; the deployment of a bridge marshals team; the deployment of strategic PNP checkpoints; the installation of hotline signage along bridge premises; the installation of advisory signage; the establishment of communication systems between checkpoints, bridge marshals, and weighing stations; and waste management.
It was also suggested that while waiting for the issuance of an executive order for the creation of the Panguil Bay Bridge Management Council, which will be co-chaired by the governors of Lanao Del Norte and Misamis Occidental, an ad hoc council will initiate its operations.
PBGen. Jaysen Carpio De Guzman also emphasized the importance of enhancing the security measures in the bridge since it connects the provinces of Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental and is crucial for the ongoing progress of both provinces.
RPMC-10 seeks RDC-10’s support to enhance security at Panguil Bay Bridge, ensuring safety for commuters and communities. Along with stakeholders, they remain committed to keeping the bridge secure and functional. (JAKA/PIA-10)
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