DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. INQUIRER.net file photo / Daphne Galvez
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) were placed on full alert status for the entire duration of Holy Week, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Wednesday.
“Criminals do not rest, so the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) and its attached agencies must not rest as well,” Año said in a statement, citing that the security of the people is a “paramount priority” especially during the Lenten season.
“Bawal muna magpahinga sapagkat ang Semana Santa ay panahon din ng mga mapagsamantala,” he said.
Año directed local government units to mobilize law and traffic enforcers and other public safety officers in churches, religious destinations, and vacation spots. He said local security units should closely coordinate their operations.
The DILG chief also ordered the PNP to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in ensuring that bus drivers are free from the influence of drugs before they set out on the road.
“Nasa kamay ng ating mga bus driver ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan sa pagbiyahe nila pauwi sa kanilang mga probinsya para gunitain ang Semana Santa kaya bawal ang adik na driver sa kalsada,” Año said.
He, likewise, commended the deployment of over 91,000 personnel from the PNP to keep criminals at bay in places of convergence nationwide.
The BJMP has also declared all jails in full alert status in anticipation of the influx of visitors during the Holy Week. The bureau’s national headquarters will perform inspections to ensure readiness of jail units, according to DILG.
Meanwhile, the BFP has prepositioned ambulances from emergency medical services along major thoroughfares to assist motorists in need of medical attention. Additional firefighting teams will also be on standby in case of fire incidents. /jpv
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