
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the local government units (LGUs) to enforce appropriate measures for the safety and protection of the public during the observance of Holy Week.
In a statement, the DILG said that the PNP and the BFP were placed on “red alert’’ status in compliance with the President’s call to uphold public safety during the celebration.
Through a memorandum circular (MC), the DILG reminded the LGUs to ensure the safety of all citizens who will be participating in religious activities during this year’s Holy Week, which began on April 13 (Palm Sunday) and will end on April 20 (Easter Sunday).
The MC calls for the local chief executives (LCEs) nationwide to convene their Local Peace and Order Councils, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, and other local teams to draw up and implement contingency plans for Semana Santa.
“This includes ensuring the availability of adequate, safe, and orderly public transportation and emergency medical services, among others,’’ the DILG noted.
Likewise, the LCEs are called to mobilize and deploy law and traffic enforcers, medical personnel, and other force multipliers in critical areas such as local and national roads, crime-prone areas or hotspots, transportation terminals, churches and other public places.
The DILG added that the LGUs must also mobilize all resources for garbage collection and disposal, and conduct clean-up operations in all public places, especially after the conduct of religious and social activities.
Earlier, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that over 30 million Filipinos and international travelers are expected to visit popular destinations in the country for this year’s Holy Week.