GENERAL SANTOS CITY — At least 285 rookie policemen were deployed across the Soccsksargen region early this week to help keep peace and order during the Yuletide season, officials said. ADVERTISEMENTRasco said the new officers had just completed the Philippine National Police’s Basic Internal Security Operations Course. Soccsksargen is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato. ReinforcementThe rookie policemen will reinforce more than 4,000 policemen stationed across the region, which has been hit by deadly explosions this year that killed five people and wounded over 50 others. The blast in General Santos City in September was carried out by another IS-aligned group, Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 16, 2018 21:22 UTC