CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – Except for a drowning incident in Hinatuan town, Surigao del Sur province, Holy Week in the Caraga region was generally peaceful and orderly, police said on Monday, April 21.

Police Regional Office 13-Regional Public Information Office (PRO 13-RPIO) chief Police Major Jennifer S. Ometer attributed this to the close cooperation of the community, local government units, law enforcement agencies, and the general public.

PRO-13 deployed more than 1,600 policemen all over Caraga for the Holy Week and summer vacation.

Aside from the mobilization of tourist police forces in different tourist destinations across the region, there was also a full view or a significant presence of police personnel in air and sea ports, terminals, malls, and markets in compliance with the strict directive of PRO-13 Director Police Brig. Gen. Christopher N. Abrahano.

The PRO-13 acknowledged the contributions of LGUs, national government agencies, particularly the Department of Public Woirks and Highways which implemented Lakbay Alalay, rescue groups, and other concerned government agencies in helping maintain peace and order, Ometer said.

“All the mentioned agencies and private group organizations including the field units of the Army’s 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division selflessly rendered their round-the-clock services, resulting in a safe, peaceful, and orderly 2025 Holy Week observance in Caraga region,” said Ometer.

Meanwhile, the PRO-10 said the Holy Week in Northern Mindanao was also generally peaceful.

The PRO-10 credited this to the comprehensive security measures implemented from April 14 to 20.

Despite the increased travel and religious activities during the Semana Santa, no major untoward incidents were reported, PRO 10-RPIO chief Major Joanne G. Navarro said.

“People were able to safely join religious processions, attend mass, visit pilgrimage sites, and enjoy vacation trips in different tourist destinations across the region,” she said.

However, PRO-10 recorded three drowning incidents that tragically claimed the lives of three individuals, two minors and one adult, Navarro said.

PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. de Guzman commended the cooperation of the public and the dedication of the personnel on the ground for the achievement.

“We are pleased to report a generally peaceful observance of Holy Week in Northern Mindanao. The success of our security operations is a result of the close coordination among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and the unwavering support of our communities,” De Guzman said. “I also congratulate all the men and women of PRO-10 for their steadfast commitment to duty. Their visible presence helped deter criminal activity and ensure public safety throughout the week.”

He acknowledged the vital role of force multipliers, including barangay peacekeeping action teams, volunteers, and other community partners, who worked alongside the police.

De Guzman condoled with the families of drowning victims and reminded the public to remain vigilant during holidays and similar occasions.