Army soldiers get 2-day break during Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines—While most government and civic groups are on high alert during the Holy Week, the Philippine Army has allowed its soldiers to take a two-day break to observe the Lenten season.

Soldiers will take their leave in two batches—the first batch on April 5 to 6 and the second on April 7 to 8.

Army chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista granted the soldiers the holiday break “so they can participate in the religious activities their faith requires,” a spokesman explained.

“Muslim soldiers also enjoy the same privilege during the Ramadan period,” Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said.

Anticipating the high volume of traffic to the provinces and around religious sites this week as Catholic Filipinos observe Lent, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Center has placed its personnel nationwide on the highest alert.

The Philippine National Police is on the highest alert along with many government agencies and civic groups to ensure a peaceful and orderly Holy Week.