The Bulacan Police Provincial Office on Wednesday, April 5, was placed on heightened alert to ensure the safety and security of the general public during the observance of Holy Week. Col. Relly B. Arnedo, Bulacan police director, said the additional deployment of PNP personnel is part of the Bulacan PPO’s efforts to prevent criminal activities such as theft, robbery, and other crimes. The police will be stationed in strategic locations such as churches, bus terminals, tourist spots, and other public areas where large crowds usually converge. Arnedo reminded the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities. He added that more mobile and foot patrols have been established and Police Assistance Desks/Centers (PADs/Cs) have been set up to improve police presence. To ensure maximum police presence, road safety marshals were deployed to confluence places, especially bus terminals, recreational areas, major thoroughfares, and crime-prone cities and municipalities. “I have ordered the full deployment of our personnel, and I have enlisted the assistance of other police units in the area, as we anticipate a surge in passengers in different bus terminals in Bulacan, and at the same time, pilgrims and devotees who will swarm to nearby churches and pilgrimage sites, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday,” Arnedo said. “In order to help us maintain public safety, we have also asked our force multipliers and auxiliary forces, such as our Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) and Radio net groups, for assistance,” he added. (Photo courtesy of Marilao police station)