Authorities On High Alert During Holy Week

LEGAZPI CITY, March 23  -- Law enforcement authorities are on high alert and have fielded additional personnel to maintain tranquility and promote solemnity during the observance of the Semana Santa (Holy Week) across the region.

Joint elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and various units of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) have launched "Oplan Semana Santa" designed to maintain order in various churches, major roads, airports, ports and other critical infrastructures, where people might gather to observe the Holy Week from March 29 to April 4 this year.

Chief Supt. Cecillo Caleja Jr. Bicol police chief, said the PNP as well as the DOTC will be fielding additional personnel to provide support in manning assistance centers established in various highways, airports, ports, including malls and communication relay stations.

Calleja said "we shall pursue the standard operating procedures set with regards to the implementation of Oplan Semana Santa."

"Preparations are underway to see to it that no untoward incident happens that would endanger the lives of the people from elements who would like to sow terror during this religious event," Calleja said.

He said check points and assistance centers would be set up to assist motorists and other visitors coming from other places to observe this religious event where tens of thousands of visitors would be arriving in various parts of the country for this week-long religious observance.

The DOTC in line with their Oplan Sumvac (summer vacation) will also set up similar assistance centers in major airports to assist incoming and outgoing passengers in the cities of Naga and Legazpi, Masbate and in Virac, Catanduanes.

Security checks would be strictly enforced in bus terminals, major seaports across the region.

The PNP in close coordination with the Philippine Army (PA) would also deploy personnel to closely watch cell site relay stations and towers in remote villages that are prone to attacks by New People's Army (NPA) guerrillas. (PNA)