ABALOS SEES PEACEFUL OBSERVANCE OF HOLY WEEK

WITH the combined 52,000 cops and fire personnel on the field maintaining orderliness and security, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos expressed confidence that this year’s observance of the Holy Week will be peaceful.

Although the national police has assured that this far, no threats have been monitored, Abalos said that the deployment of these men in uniform aims to ensure public of safety, especially those who are travelling from Metro Manila to their respective home provinces.

“So far, wala namang threats. Huwag kayong mag-alala. Nandito si PNP chief (Benjamin) Acorda and NCRPO chief (Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr).  They can attest that there are no threats,”  said Abalos.

The DILG chief on Monday, joined officials from the Department of Transportation and the Metro Manila Development Authority in the interagency inspection at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque City as part of the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Holy Week 2024.

The inspection was conducted to ensure seamless operations at the PITX and implement necessary measures in preparation for the expected surge of passengers at the terminal who will rush home for the long Holy Week holidays.

Some 74 police officers were directed to man the PITX round-the-clock, and a substantial number of CCTV cameras are also installed in the terminal to ensure the people’s safety.

At the sidelines were two firetrucks stationed at the PITX, with 14 fire officers, and 25 BFP personnel also manning the First-Aid Station (FAST).

Abalos said the DILG is one with other national government agencies in ensuring a peaceful Holy Week as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

“Ang DILG ay nakikiisa sa DOTr, DICT at sa iba pang ahensya dahil ito ay ang ipinag-utos ng ating mahal na Pangulo lalo na ang ating mga kababayan ay bibiyahe ngayong Semana Santa,” he said.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Acorda said that despite the absence of any threats, deployment of police officers is in place in major terminals both for land, sea and air transportation to prevent any untoward incidents.

He noted that 12,000 police personnel were deployed in various areas of Metro Manila alone.

BFP Deputy Chief for Operations Chief Supt. Kwan Tiu said 28,000 fire personnel are deployed for the Holy Week; 3,080 firetrucks nationwide stationed in major thoroughfares; and there are 38 First-aid Stations (FAST) in key areas of the metropolis.

He added that 97 firetrucks and 17 ambulances will also be deployed in the NCR.