In anticipation of the Holy Week exodus, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. said the PNP, BFP and LGUs were placed on full alert status to ensure the peace and order and security in the communities.
“Sa pangunguna ng PNP ay paiigtingin natin ang police visibility sa buong bansa, lalong-lalo na sa mga identified areas of convergence tulad ng malalaking simbahan, pilgrim sites, terminal, pantalan, at paliparan pati na rin sa mga mall at iba pang pasyalan upang matiyak na mababantayan at mapananatili ang kaligtasan ng publiko,” said Abalos.
(Under the leadership of the PNP, we will intensify police visibility throughout the country, especially in identified areas of convergence such as large churches, pilgrim sites, terminals, docks, and airports, as well as in malls and other sights to ensure that public safety can be guarded and maintained.)
“Binigyan din natin ng direktiba ang PNP na makipag-ugnayan sa mga local na opisyal sa pagmomonitor at paglalagay ng checkpoint sa mga lugar na itinuturing na ‘hotspot’ kung saan mataas ang political violence,” he added.
(We have also given directives to the PNP to coordinate with local officials in monitoring and placing checkpoints in areas considered to be ‘hotspots’ where political violence is high.)
Abalos said the BFP were alerted over possible fire incidents especially as families are expected to go on vacation and leave their houses.
He reminded the public to ensure that their home appliances are unplugged before leaving them unattended.
PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said the total of 74,000 policemen will be deployed for the conduct of operations during the Holy Week break.
She said 38,000 of them will be deployed for mobile and beat patrolling.
Fajardo said police assistance desks will also be established in strategic areas including transport terminals, airports and seaports, major thoroughfares, churches and tourist spots.
“Patuloy tayong nangangalap ng mga impormasyon na maaaring makapag disrupt dito sa inaasahan natin na mahabang bakasyon pero as of today naman ay wala tayong namomonitor na (We continue to gather information on things that may disrupt this long vacation, but as of today, we have not monitored) any credible and serious threat that would require us to raise our alert status,” she said.
The PNP urged the public to be alert and vigilant and immediately report to the authorities any suspicious things and individuals in their area.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier declared April 6, 7 and 10 as regular holidays. (SunStar Philippines)