Observance of Lent generally peaceful - PNP

MANILA, Philippines -  Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo described the observance of the Lenten season as generally peaceful.

“I am pleased with the overall outcome of nationwide law enforcement and public safety operations by PNP units during the Holy Week,” said Bacalzo. “A generally peaceful situation prevailed since last Palm Sunday until today, Easter Sunday, with no major untoward incident reported by the police regional offices across the country.”

The PNP chief, however, directed all police regional, provincial and station commanders to instruct their men to remain in their respective posts until the entire celebration is officially over.

Bacalzo said the traditional Holy Week holiday went ahead peacefully and orderly without any major peace and order and security concern, except for the unusually high number of drowning incidents in public beaches and swimming areas.

He said there were also some isolated cases of road accidents and the unfortunate landslide that killed scores of people in Compostela Valley.

“As people are expected to return to the cities and urban centers from the provinces after the Holy Week retreat, I have directed all police regional offices and concerned national support units, particularly the Highway Patrol Group, to continue public safety and motorist assistance operations along major thoroughfares in coordination with LGUs, NGOs, BPATs and volunteer organizations,” he added.

Bacalzo noted that police units nationwide were given the authority to extend and/or expand the effectivity of Letter of Instructions (LOI) Sumvac and Bantay-Lakbay to ensure utmost safety and security for the expected influx of motorists and commuters back to the cities.

He noted that PNP personnel manning Police Assistance Centers along the highways, air, sea and land transportation terminals will remain in their posts until the entire operation is officially terminated.

“As chief of the PNP, it is with great pride that I commend all police personnel for making these little sacrifices of ensuring public safety and order in the sprit of the Lenten season and in the name of public service,” he said. “May the risen Christ bring us peace, love and everlasting joy.”