BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office-13 deployed bicycle-riding police officers on Maundy Thursday to have a safe and secure observance of the Holy Week in the Caraga region.
PRO-13 chief Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II launched “Bisikleta Iglesia” based on the directive of PNP chief Police Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. to conduct an inspection of churches and places of convergence as part of the intensified security coverage from April 6 to 9.
PNP-Caraga cycling enthusiasts, the PNP-Caraga Command Group and Regional Staff, the Butuan City Police Office director and station commanders, and camp-based personnel inspected the Santo Niño Shrine in Libertad, Robinsons Butuan Terminal, Butuan City Police Station 3, and major thoroughfares here.
“Kailangan na maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na nandito lang tayo, we are here to secure them (We would like to assure the people that we are here to secure them),” Labra said.
The bike patrol, a modified version of the pious Filipino practice during the Holy Week to visit at least seven churches to pray called "Visita Iglesia," was also launched in the police provincial and city offices and police stations in the five provinces and six cities of the Caraga.
“PNP-Caraga has already deployed thousands of troops to ensure the peaceful and orderly observance of Holy Week in the region,” Labra added.
“All security measures are in place but we ask for the cooperation of the public for the success of this religious occasion.”
“Let us all remember God every day and surrender our lives to Him,” Labra reminded the people.