The local government of Malabon City has prepared a response plan ensuring the safety and security of Malabon residents during the Holy Week.
Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval led the creation of the city's Holy Week 2024 Response Plan aimed at ensuring the safety and security of city residents and visitors at places of worship in Malabon.
"Prayoridad po natin dito sa Malabon na siguruhing ligtas ang bawat isa sa ating mga mamamayan, makakaasa po kayo ng walang tulugan na serbisyo (Our priority here in Malabon is to ensure the safety of each and every one of our citizens. Rest assured of our round-the-clock service)," she said.
Meanwhile, Malabon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (MDRRMO) head Roderick Tongol said the local government's Emergency Operation Center will be on "Blue Alert Status" during the Holy Week. It means that they will conduct a 24-hour monitoring in all areas to promptly respond to any incidents or emergencies reported to them.
The MDRRMO said the 12 churches in Malabon that will be secured during the Holy Week are Saint Bartolome Parish, San Antonio De Padua Parish, La Pusirma Concepcion De Malabon, Exaltation of the Holy Cross Parish Church, Sto. Rosario Parish Church, Immaculate Concepcion Parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Holy Trinity Quassi Parish, Sacred Heart Parish, Saint Peter and John's Parish, Our Lady of Victory Parish, and Saint Claire of Assisi Parish.
According to Tongol, they will establish incident command posts near churches in various barangays across the city, to be manned by local police and emergency response and medical personnel.
It aims to assist individuals in need during church gatherings like Holy Masses, Visita Iglesia, Senakulo performances, funeral processions, Easter vigils, and other related events.
Furthermore, there were around 250 members of MDRRMO, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Public Safety and Traffic Management Department (PSTMO), and Malabon City Police Station (MCPS) that will be deployed in different areas to monitor and maintain peace and order in the city from Maundy Thursday, March 28 to Eastern Sunday, March 31.
In addition, all the city's emergency response vehicles, including four ambulances, will be fully prepared for deployment to emergencies and other incidents.
The PSTMO will also implement temporary road closures and rerouting schemes near churches during processions and other activities. These closures will affect areas such as Daang C. Arellano St. cor., Kalahi – Burgos, Matahong St., and several intersections along C. Arellano St., in Kalahi – Burgos.
Areas of Liwayway St. in Barangay Acacia, Borromeo St. entering Longos from P. Aquino Road, and Pureza St. / MH Del Pilar will also be affected.
According to the city's public information office, advance notice will be given for the schedule of these closures, along with information about alternative routes, to ensure that residents and commuters can plan their journeys accordingly.
Moreover, motorcycle escorts and traffic personnel will oversee traffic flow on these roads during the Holy Week.
Other city government offices such as the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, City Engineering Office, City Social Welfare and Development Department, and Philippine Red Cross will assist in ensuring the residents' safety and managing traffic and waste effectively.
The city government advised the public to stay vigilant
and urged them to reach out to the city's MDRRMO emergency hotlines (89216009 / 89216029/09423729891 / 09190625588) or through TXTMJS (225687 / 09176898657) for concerns and other inquiries.
Sandoval expressed her hope that the Catholics in Malabon would deepen their faith and continue to pray for guidance as they reflect on the passion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ during the Holy Week.