PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil yesterday ordered all police units throughout the country to be on heightened alert to ensure public safety during the Holy Week break.
Marbil issued the order during a command conference attended by key police commanders at the PNP national headquarters in Camp Crame.
“Let us ensure the safety of our people. Let them feel the presence of the police force in checkpoints and chokepoints,” Marbil said, emphasizing the need to enhance police visibility.
Marbil also cited the need for cops to be proactive in public safety measures during the Holy Week.
The PNP chief said common crimes such as theft and burglary should be addressed, especially during Holy Week, which is considered by many people as an opportunity for them to travel.
“The PNP assures the public of its full commitment to maintaining peace and order, particularly during the Holy Week and the election season, through intensified police presence, strategic operations, and professionalism,” the PNP Public Information Office said in a statement.
The PNP earlier said some 40,000 policemen will be deployed across the country to ensure peace and order during Holy Week and summer.
Marbil also sought the cooperation of the public for a peaceful Holy Week.
“We appeal to the public to remain alert, disciplined, and respectful of traffic and safety laws. Our goal is to make this Lenten solemn, orderly, and free from accidents or criminal incidents,” said Marbil.
“Always check your vehicles before traveling and avoid reckless driving. For commuters, keep your valuables secured and remain vigilant in crowded areas. Let us all do our part to stay safe and make this a meaningful observance,” added Marbil.
The PNP will remain on heightened alert status throughout Lent and assured the public that help desks and assistance centers are operational nationwide to respond to emergencies and concerns.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), over the weekend, said 10,000 policemen will be fielded in the metropolis.
In a radio interview yesterday, NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Antony Aberin said the bulk of these policemen will be deployed at churches.
“Mostly, or the bulk of our deployment will be at the churches, considering that there are around 300 churches in the entire Metro Manila,” said Aberin.
Aberin said the policemen will also be securing other places of convergence, including transport terminals and commercial areas.
“We’re establishing additional police assistance desks at selected bus terminals. We are deploying Special Weapons and Tactics personnel so that they can respond immediately in case of emergencies,” said Aberin.
Aberin said security measures are already in place “to make sure that the residents of Metro Manila and visitors will be safe and secure.”
Aberin said they have not monitored any security threats in Metro Manila during Holy Week.
“But we’re not going to be complacent,” said Aberin, adding that intelligence units will continue monitoring in coordination with the Armed Forces.
The Philippine Coast Guard, which went on heightened alert status last Sunday, said it has not monitored any untoward incident over the past days.
PCG deputy spokesman Commander Michael John Encina said PCG personnel are strictly implementing security measures at ports.
“We’re also conducting K9 paneling at ports, checking the baggage of passengers. So far, we have not recorded any (untoward) incident,” said Encina.
BI DEPLOYMENT
The Bureau of Immigration has deployed additional immigration officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to accommodate the expected surge in international passengers this Holy Week.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said they have deployed more than 40 immigration officers to augment their regular deployment at the NAIA.
“We have fielded a total of 48 immigration frontliners at NAIA alone to ensure that all immigration counters are fully manned during peak arrival and departure hours,” said Viado.
“This is part of our commitment to deliver swift and seamless service to the traveling public,” he added.
The 48 is on top of the 526 immigration officers normally deployed at NAIA, the country’s premier international gateway.
Viado said the additional officers came from different BI offices in Metro Manila and were directed to assist in airport operations for the long weekend.
“Our frontliners are under strict orders to provide efficient, courteous, and professional service at all times. This operational surge is aligned with the President’s call for improved government services, especially in high-traffic areas such as our airports,” the BI chief added.
Viado reminded travelers that they should still arrive at the airport early during the holidays, adding that they expect a high volume of travelers.
“We urge the public to be at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled flight to allow ample time for immigration and security checks,” he said.
Viado said they expect around 50,000 travelers per day during the peak season.
CAAP READY
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has also deployed additional personnel in anticipation of the high passenger volume during the Holy Week.
“We anticipate high passenger volume during Semana Santa and have made the necessary preparations to ensure safe and efficient airport operations,” CAAP director general Raul Del Rosario said in a statement yesterday.
In a travel advisory, CAAP advised all passengers to follow travel guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe, orderly, and efficient journey amid the anticipated surge in air travel.
This initiative supports the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.
CAAP said all its 44 operated airports are on heightened alert, with additional personnel deployed and Malasakit Helpdesk set up to assist travelers. Security and baggage screening procedures have been enhanced, while medical and emergency teams remain on standby to respond to any incident.
Major airports will continue operating 24/7, with enhanced coordination between CAAP and airline partners to ensure the smooth management of flight operations.
To help travelers prepare, CAAP reminded passengers to verify flight details, including terminal assignments and airline advisories, before heading to the airport; arrive early—at least three hours before the scheduled departure; avoid bringing sharp objects, flammable items, or oversized liquids in carry-on luggage; and never make jokes or comments about bombs or threats, as these are considered criminal offenses.
Regarding power banks on board, CAAP reiterated that portable electronic devices (PEDs) with battery capacities of up to 100 watt-hours are allowed without restriction. Devices with batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh require prior airline approval, while power banks exceeding 160Wh are strictly prohibited on board.
Philippines Airlines (PAL) also reminded its passengers to check in via the website and the PAL mobile app 24 hours to one hour before their flights.
With anticipated heavy traffic, PAL also encouraged passengers to check in as early as three to four hours before departure for domestic flights at NAIA Terminal 2 and as early as four to five hours before departure for international flights at NAIA Terminal 1.
NO NUMBER CODING
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced the suspension of the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program or number-coding scheme in Metro Manila on April 17, Maundy Thursday, and April 18, Good Friday.
Under the number coding scheme, vehicles with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited on roads every Monday, 3 and 4 on Tuesday, 5 and 6 on Wednesday, 7 and 8 on Thursday, 9 and 0 on Friday during coding hours.
The scheme is automatically lifted on Saturdays and Sundays.
MMDA chief Romando Artes reiterated the agency’s appeal to motorists and those trekking to their respective provinces to observe the Lenten break and plan their trips and drive safely.
“Plan your trip and drive safely. The MMDA hopes that your observation of the Lenten season will be peaceful and meaningful,” Artes said.
Last April 4, Artes convened a meeting with other government agencies and stakeholders where the agency discussed its traffic management plan for the Holy Week.
This includes the deployment of 2,542 personnel and 468 assets, including emergency vehicles, on major roadways in Metro Manila and areas leading to ports, airports and bus terminals.
Artes said the agency’s Communications and Command Center in Pasig City will operate round-the-clock, with a team monitoring real-time updates through closed-circuit television cameras in critical areas across Metro Manila, as well as other activities and situations on the ground.
He added that starting April 16, Holy Wednesday, a strict no-day off, no absent policy will be implemented by the agency for its traffic personnel. – With Ashzel Hachero, Osias Osorio and Myla Iglesias
