By Jason De Asis
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – With Holy Week drawing thousands of travelers and pilgrims, the Police Regional Office-Central Luzon (PRO-3) has rolled out heightened security measures across the region to ensure a safe and peaceful religious mass observance.
From April 13 to 20, over 1,000 police officers are on duty throughout Central Luzon, according to PRO-3 Director Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.
“We see a significant increase in people using transport hubs and visiting churches and pilgrimage sites every year during Holy Week, especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday,” Fajardo noted in a media interview.
“Because of this, I’ve ordered the full deployment of our police force and the activation of support units to keep our communities safe.”
PRO-3 is working closely with local volunteers, including the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams and local radio groups to speed up emergency responses and enhance overall awareness of situations on the ground.
Residents will see more police on foot and in patrol cars as part of intensified visibility efforts to deter crime, Fajardo said.
Police assistance desks and centers have also been set up in busy areas. Road safety marshals are stationed at major transportation hubs like bus terminals, airports, and seaports, as well as along highways and in popular tourist and recreational spots.
Anticipating the start of Holy Week activities, police personnel were deployed as early as Palm Sunday to secure churches and other places of worship throughout the region.
“Holy Week is a deeply spiritual time for many,” Fajardo said. “As law enforcement, our priority is to ensure everyone can observe this tradition peacefully, safely and with the solemnity it deserves.” (PNA)