PNP braces for return of millions of people from Holy Week break
Police forces across the country remain on heightened alert as millions of people begin to go back to their homes and workplaces following a long Lenten break.
Col. Redrico Maranan, chief information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said then focus remains on bus terminals, airports and seaports and even major roads leading to Metro Manila and other urban areas especially amid reports that a number of people decided to cut short their breaks to avoid monstrous traffic jams.
On Thursday, April 6, heavy volumes of vehicles were reported at the North Luzon Expressway that affected those who were on their way to northern Luzon while traffic standstill was reported on the same day in Pagbilao town and Lucena City in Quezon that affected those who were on their way to Bicol region.
“As instructed by our Chief PNP, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., our commanders were instructed to continue the security measures from roads to places of convergence until the end of the Holy Week,” said Maranan.
The heightened alert status was hoisted by the PNP from 8 a.m. on April 2 to 8 a.m. on April 11.
Part of the security measures, according to Maranan, was the deployment of policemen to man Assistance Hubs (AHs) and Police Assistance Desks (PADs) to assist the public and promptly address specific complaints.
He said thousands of policemen were also deployed for specific areas of convergence such as major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, terminals, commercial areas, and places of worship.
But Maranan said the Holy Week security measures are part of the general "Ligtas Sumvac (Summer Vacation) 2023" campaign which also covers the Holy Month of Ramadan that began last March 23 and will culminate on April 22.
More than 74,114 police officers were tapped to secure both the Christian and Muslim religious celebrations.
So far, Maranan said they have not monitored serious security-related incidents except for reports of drowning incidents.