PNP enhances security for Holy Week, summer

MANILA, Philippines — Security measures are being enhanced in preparation for the Holy Week and summer vacation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

In an interview over dzBB, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo discussed the security preparations in place.

Fajardo emphasized that security measures have been laid out for both Oplan Semana Santa and the entirety of summer vacation.

Approximately 34,000 police officers will be deployed, Fajardo said, focusing on places of worship, terminals, airports, ports, major thoroughfares and tourist destinations.

“Police assistance desks will be set up, and patrols will be conducted around churches and other areas of convergence,” Fajardo said.

The deployment for Oplan Sumvac traditionally begins on April 1 and lasts until May 31.

However, Fajardo said that due to the Holy Week date this year, deployment has been advanced to Palm Sunday to ensure the safety of people visiting churches.

Regarding tourist destinations, Fajardo mentioned the deployment of around 7,000 tourist police and approximately 400 police service dogs to enhance security measures.

“The PNP is on heightened alert during Holy Week, with regional directors given discretion to raise the alert level if necessary,” she said.

While there have been no specific threats received, Fajardo mentioned that coordination with PNP counterparts – such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard – continues to ensure the safety of the public during the observance of Holy Week.