MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been placed on full alert for the observance of Holy Week, a Philippine National Police (PNP) official said yesterday.
PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said the NCRPO under Director Carmelo Valmoria went on full alert starting Saturday.
Cerbo advised the public to be vigilant against criminal syndicates such as “Akyat Bahay” and “Dugo-Dugo” gangs that might take advantage of the holiday break.
Valmoria said they would keep tabs on places of convergence.
Under full alert, about 90 to 95 percent of the NCRPO are on duty.
Valmoria said “force mutipliers” would be deployed to conduct patrols in subdivisions and residential areas.
Meanwhile, the Quezon City government has mobilized its traffic and rescue personnel to ensure public safety during the Holy Week.
Elmo San Diego, head of the city’s department of public order and safety, said he has placed all personnel under his office on alert during the observance of Lent.
He said the city would deploy hundreds of traffic enforcers and rescue personnel to complement those who will be deployed by the Quezon City Police District and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.
San Diego said the traffic personnel would be mobilized near bus terminals and churches to assist those who will hold the traditional Visita Iglesia.