6,000 security personnel to ensure safe Holy Week

CEBU, Philippines — Around 6,000 security personnel will be deployed in areas of convergence like churches, terminals, and tourist destinations starting this weekend in line with the observance of the Holy Week next week.

The security forces include personnel from the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other force multipliers.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-7, said a formal inter-agency send-off ceremony will be done next week.

Pelare clarified that they have not received any report of security threat for the observance of the Holy Week. The police reminded everyone to watchful of their belongings to avoid falling victims to criminal elements.

PRO-7 vowed that regular police operations against all forms of criminality will continue during the Holy Week. In fact, he advised cockfighting operators to secure a permit should they wish to hold cockfighting.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Central Visayas will be placed under heightened alert in anticipation of the influx of passengers for the Holy Week. PCG-Central Visayas Information Officer ENS Abel Jan V. Lomboy said around 800 personnel will be deployed in ports. These include K-9 units and medical teams.

Help desks will be set up in all ports of the region to assist the travellers. Coastguard personnel will also be deployed to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessels. Sea marshals will also board the ships. – /FPL (FREEMAN)