Despite seeing no threats, AFP will remain vigilant during Lenten break

MANILA, Philippines—Filipinos can look forward to a peaceful and solemn observance of the Lenten break as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that they have not monitored any threats to peace and security.

“For the Lenten holidays, we will remain vigilant against all forms of threats to our peace and stability, but however, as of the moment, we have not monitored any specific threat during the Lenten break,” Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., AFP spokesperson said Monday.

Burgos said that intelligence operatives are continuing their information gathering throughout the country, and have not yet monitored any threat, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR) Command.

He added they will not raise any alert level yet, saying it will depend on the respective area commanders.

“There is no alert level increase. It will all depend on the area commander, depending on their assessment of the security situation in their area, and of course that will all depend also on the reports that will be gathered by their intelligence operatives as we near the Lenten holidays,” Burgos said.

On the side of the Philippine National Police, they are implementing a public safety campaign that will last for two-and-a-half months beginning with the end of the school year. Dubbed as “Oplan: SumVac (summer vacation) 2012.”

An exodus of thousands of Filipinos is expected as they go back to their home provinces during the holidays for the observance of holy week.