Over 12,00O cops to secure Metro Manila during Holy Week, road safety measures pushed
More than 12,000 policemen will be deployed in churches, transportation hubs and other places of convergence in Metro Manila for the Holy Week as part of the security measures to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of religious activities.
This developed as national police chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. ordered all police forces to help ensure the welfare and protection of commuters and motorists for the long summer break.
Nartatez said he already tasked police units, particularly the Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), to work closely with bus operators and management to prevent vehicular accidents during the peak travel season.
“Road safety is among our top priority as more people are expected to be on the road on their way home to their home provinces and tourist spots. Your PNP will be coordinating with other stakeholders and other agencies to ensure the protection of all road users,” said Nartatez.
In Metro Manila, the first focus is the observance of the Holy Week which include securing major thoroughfares and commercial areas for the expected influx of Holy Week travelers and pilgrims aside from churches and transportation hubs.
Of the 12,370 policemen to be deployed, a total of 9,433 will come from the NCRPO while the rest from other police units that include Regional Standby Security Force (RSSF).
She said police assistance desks will also be set up in 135 transport hubs and 329 churches in the region.
As far as the road safety is concerned for the Holy Week and summer breaks, Nartatez said the proactive measures include road worthiness inspections in coordination with concerned government agencies like the Department of Transportation.
In some instances, other agencies are working with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine National Police for the conduct of random drug test to drivers and conductors.
Millions of Filipinos travel to their hometowns during the summer break, which in some cases, coincidentally result in a spike in the number of road accidents.
In addition to inspections and random drug testing, assistance desks are also expected to be set especially during the Holy Week exodus to ensure public safety and the smooth flow of travel nationwide during peak seasons.
The PNP has committed to being fully prepared throughout the summer season.
With meticulous planning and proactive enforcement, Nartatez said the PNP aims to reduce accidents and maintain public safety on the nation’s roads.