ALTHOUGH the PNP has not monitored any plan to sabotage the observance of the Holy Week later this month, it will remain focused on its security preparations to ensure peace during the period.
Citing information from various PNP units, PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said “they have not monitored any serious threat to disrupt the observance” of Holy Week.
“But as we have been saying, we are not going to be complacent. We will continue with our coordination with other government agencies,” said Fajardo, referring to the Armed Forces and the Philippine Coast Guard.
Fajardo stressed that the PNP security preparations for the Holy Week are in their final stages and reiterated that some 34,000 cops will be deployed during the period.
The policemen include some 7,000 tourist cops who will secure tourists going to major tourist destinations.
She said policemen will also secure churches and transport terminals.
Fajardo said the PNP will hold an inter-agency meeting with concerned agencies “to make sure the observance of the Holy Week and travel of our kababayans will be smooth.”
Fajardo said the PNP, in collaboration with barangay officials, will also hold patrols to prevent theft at residences that might be left unattended by people going to the provinces.
Fajardo said the PNP security measures will be implemented starting this Sunday.
“This includes the establishment of Police Assistance Desks at places of worship, terminals, including airports, ports and major bus terminals,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the PNP expects the number of people going to the provinces to start surging over the weekend.
“More than 34,000 (cops) are due to be deployed initially,” said Fajardo, adding the number may be increased if the situation warrants it.
“Our regional directors are given the leeway to increase their respective deployment, including the heightening of alert level in their respective areas,” she said.
