Cops told to coordinate holding of SIMEX with LGUs, biz owners

Eleazar said it is important to place signs near the SIMEX operation area to properly inform the public of what the police presence and scenarios are all about. (File Photo: PIO NCRPO/Facebook)

MANILA – A ranking police official on Saturday reminded police units to coordinate the conduct of simulation exercises (SIMEX) with local government units (LGUs) and owners of businesses and offices.

“This is to prevent confusion and panic on the part of the people who may misinterpret any conduct of SIMEX as a real police operation. Coordination with friendly forces is also necessary to avoid any unnecessary confrontation and untoward incidents,” Joint Task Force Covid Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said in a statement.

Eleazar said it is important to place signs near the SIMEX operation area to properly inform the public of what the police presence and scenarios are all about.

His remarks came in response to complaints regarding the conduct of SIMEX near the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex in Pasay City on Friday, which reportedly created panic among joggers, passersby, and tenants of nearby establishments.

Based on the report from the Pasay City Police, the SIMEX was conducted with a scenario of a shooting incident involving a prominent personality during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) health crisis.