The Ash Wednesday last Feb. 14, 2024 marked the beginning of the Holy Week, the most sacred days of the Christian calendar, to be followed by Maundy Thursday and Good Friday all the way up to Easter and the events leading up to the resurrection of Christ. | File photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) will be deploying around 6,000 personnel to secure the observance of Holy Week from Sunday, March 24 until Saturday, March 30, 2024.
“We will be deploying around 6,000 members of the security forces and that would include the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other agencies of government,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, PRO-7 spokesperson, said during a press conference on Thursday, March 14.
Of the personnel involved, 3,866 are from the Philippine National Police (PNP), with an additional 367 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Additionally, 863 force multipliers will be on the streets to ensure citizen safety throughout the week-long celebration.
Pelare announced that security forces will deploy to their designated areas next week, just before Holy Week begins. They will conduct a full deployment during this time.
He also mentioned that initial planning has been completed, and they will soon implement necessary precautions to ensure a peaceful Holy Week in 2024. Additionally, preparations for security during the summer vacation season are underway.
Following a command conference, PRO-7 will conduct simulation and communication exercises to ensure organization.
Pelare added that ‘Red teams’ will oversee deployment adherence throughout the region.
“As usual, the command group and the regional staff will be assigned in specific provinces and cities to make sure that the security plan of the provincial directors and city directors are implemented well,” he added.
Security plan for Bantayan
Meanwhile, law enforcement on Bantayan Island, known for its extensive religious activities during Lent, will implement a special security plan this year. This because a high number of individuals are expected to gather in Bantayan similar to what happened in previous years.
“We will be having a special security plan for Bantayan Island because of the anticipated influx of devotees and visitors,” said Pelare.
One concern from Holy Week 2023 was tourist scams with hotel bookings on Bantayan. To prevent this, PRO-7 is collaborating with the Department of Tourism.
“Naa na pud tay intervention towards that. We have already coordinated with the Department of Tourism. We have instructed the chiefs of police to maximize information dissemination para walay mailad,” stated Pelare.
As Holy Week nears, Pelare mentioned an increase in alert status.
Moreover, Pelare said that the Regional Intelligence Committee found no specific threats in Central Visayas for March, reassuring residents of safety and security. /clorenciana
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