THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) will help beef up the security force for the Paskuhan, with this year’s crowd estimated to double to 150,000.
Because the University’s security force won’t be enough to handle the huge crowd, it has decided to seek help from nearby University Belt Area (UBA) police station and Precinct 4 in Balic-Balic.
Security office chief Joseph Badinas said it won’t be the first such arrangement for the annual University-wide Christmas party on Dec. 16, but the number of policemen would double last year’s 50.
The security office will deploy around 150 uniformed guards and 20 “civilian” guards around the campus on the day of the festivity, he said.
Last year, there were reported cases of Thomasians and visitors bringing liquor and other alcoholic beverages into the campus.
“We are preparing well this season to attain a very peaceful Paskuhan, so that those who will attend [the party] will enjoy [it],” Badinas said.
Security will be tightened because of the expected crowd of 150,000 this year. Last year’s Paskuhan, which welcomed the Quadricentennial year, had a crowd of 75,000.
“Some students said they’re excited for the Paskuhan and they will bring lots of friends with them,” he said. “Kaya naghahanda na kami sa bugso ng mga tao.”
Badinas also said there would be “stricter screening” of visitors on Dec. 16. Non-Thomasians who want to attend the Paskuhan must have a Thomasian acquaintance who will pick them up at the gate. Otherwise, they will not be allowed to enter the campus.
“Para sa mga Thomasians and [their] friends ‘yung Paskuhan. Hindi pwedeng kung sinu-sino lang ang papasukin natin sa loob,” he said.
Thomasians will also not be allowed to enter if they don’t have their identification cards or registration forms. UST alumni must have their alumni cards with them to enter the campus, he said.
A “double-double check-up” will be done by security guards at their posts, he added. Four security personnel will be at each post to meticulously check belongings.
He warned Thomasians not to violate rules set by the Security Office, like the prohibition on liquors and weapons.
“Kung manggugulo sila at mahuhuli sila, wala kaming ibang gagawin kundi sampahan sila ng demanda, which can be theft o kung gaano kagrabe ‘yung violation nila,” he said.
He requested Thomasians to cooperate for a “stress-free” Paskuhan.
“Tutulungan namin kayo, pero sana maki-cooperate din kayo. Tulungan lang naman para hindi tayo maka-encounter ng mga problema sa Paskuhan.” Reden D. Madrid
