Holy Week 2026: Cebu Province police reports decrease in crime
CEBU CITY, Philippines— After the Holy Week 2026 activities, Cebu’s provincial police assessment showed a decrease in crimes compared to the previous year, with the enforcement of ordinances and strengthened public safety operations.
During a forum on Tuesday, April 7, Police Major Sam Dacullo, information officer of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO), said that there were significant changes in the recorded crimes this year.
He described the Holy Week celebrations as “peaceful.”
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“Last year, 495 crime incidents were reported during Holy Week, pero sa pagkakaron 276 lang atong natala (but this year, only 276 were reported),” said Dacullo.
Why were there fewer Holy Week crimes?
Security preparations made prior to the Holy Week were key factors in the decrease, including heightened police visibility in streets and communities.
“Natala nato ang mga 44.24 percent reduction sa total crime incidents for that period sa Holy Week,” he said. (We recorded a 44.24 percent reduction in total crimes for Holy Week.)
While major crimes such as murder, rape, and serious physical injuries were reported to be “minimal to none”, authorities noted that petty crimes and road and public safety issues persisted.
To reinforce security, the entire Central Visayas region was placed under heightened alert status during Holy Week.
Checkpoints a key factor for drop in Holy Week crime
Dacullo said that this enabled 24/7 mobile and beat patrols, along with checkpoints across key areas. He said that checkpoints, reinforced by patrols, were the best means to prevent more crimes.
The CPPO also used drone patrols, particularly during large gatherings such as the festivities in Minglanilla, to monitor traffic and respond quickly to congestion.
Part of the intensified operations were Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO), a region-wide directive requiring police units to enforce the law proactively.
Under SACLEO, authorities carried out operations targeting illegal drugs, wanted persons, loose firearms, and illegal gambling—even during Holy Week.
Expect stricter enforcement of local ordinances
“Bisag pag Holy Week, naa gyud magpabadlong… mao nay nakaprevent na at least na minimize atong recorded crimes,” Dacullo said. (Even if it was Holy Week, there were those who violated the law. Simultaneous operations minimized and prevented crimes.)
He added that some of the recorded incidents resulted from police operations, adding to the overall crime statistics but also reflecting active enforcement.
The CPPO also welcomed the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla Jr.’s directive to strengthen public order through stricter implementation of local ordinances.
Dacullo cited the push to enforce regulations on public intoxication, including the ban on drinking in sidewalks, alleys, and other public spaces.
The directive also covers acts deemed disruptive to public order, such as public nudity, excessive noise after 10 p.m., and unauthorized videoke use.
Promoting civility in public spaces, beyond Holy Week
“These are part of promoting civility in public spaces, para dili makahatag ug kasamok sa katawhan (so as to prevent trouble for people),” he said.
With the introduction of the DILG’s Safe City Initiative—initially implemented in Metro Manila and expected to expand to areas such as Metro Cebu—the CPPO is preparing to align its enforcement strategies with the national directive.
Dacullo emphasized that enforcement will rely heavily on coordination with local government units.
“We will closely coordinate with the local chief executives in the enforcement of local ordinances especially to prevent public intoxication,” he said.
Dacullo also urged barangay officials to intensify information dissemination to prevent violations.
More police visibility as summer travel picks up
Authorities reiterated that the public’s cooperation is necessary in sustaining peace and order beyond Holy Week.
Residents are encouraged to report violations directly to police stations or through the 911 emergency hotline.
“Once there will be calls for police response, expect gyud mo naay mu abot kapulisan (you can expect the police to arrive),” said Dacullo.
As the summer season begins, the CPPO also announced continued deployments in tourist spots, ports, and transport terminals to manage the expected influx of travelers.
While the numbers reflected a quieter Holy Week, Dacullo underscored that maintaining peace is a shared responsibility.
“Magtinabangay kita. We have to be good, law-abiding citizens so we avoid creating problems for the nation,” he said.
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