PNP TO DEPLOY 58K COPS FOR HOLY WEEK, SUMMER BREAK

AROUND 58,000 police officers will be deployed in major places of convergence for Holy Week and the summer break, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said Tuesday.

Marbil told a radio interview that 85 percent of the police personnel will be fielded to protect Filipinos from criminals during the observance of Holy Week and the summer vacation.

He said policemen will be sent to major road networks, tourist spots, transportation hubs and churches.

The country’s top cop appealed to the public to remain patient when traveling, as strict security checks will be implemented in view of the election gun ban.

He reminded those who will travel to the provinces to secure their houses from thieves.

“Let’s have patience po when we travel dahil it will cause a traffic kasi we will be strict on the gun ban. Please, trabaho po namin ito,” Marbil said.

“Before you leave, you make sure na ‘yung lugar niyo po is really safe ‘yung mga bahay po i-lock niyo po ‘yan. Let us not give them opportunity po doon sa mga masamang loob na pumasok po ‘yung sa bahay natin na wala po tayo. Please be safe with sa mga ari-arian po natin,” he added.

The official said some 800 personnel of the PNP Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) will also be deployed.

According to PNP-HPG spokesman Lt. Dame Malang, the deployment is part of the intensified security maintenance. The officers will also be posted in various tourist spots.

Malang reminded vacationers to make sure their vehicles are in good running condition to prevent accidents.

Early on Monday, Marbil presided over the command conference in Camp Crame, where he emphasized the need for heightened police visibility and proactive public safety measures.

“Let us ensure the safety of our people. Let them feel the presence of the police force in checkpoints and chokepoints,” Marbil said

He underscored the need to monitor and prevent common crimes such as theft and burglary.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said about 10,000 policemen and force multipliers will also be posted during the Holy Week ready to respond immediately in case of emergencies.

In Central Luzon, Police Regional Office 3 Director Brig. Gen Jean Fajardo said over 1,000 policemen will also be deployed across the region to ensure public safety and maintain order.

The PNP is on heightened alert status throughout the Holy Week.