Police launch Oplan Semana Santa in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—Civil and military authorities were on high alert after the launch of Oplan Semana Santa on Wednesday to maintain peace and solemnity in observance of Holy Week across the Bicol region, a police official said.

Superintendent Renato Bataller, Bicol-police spokesperson, said the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army and various units of the Department of Transportation and Communication and Department of Public Works Highways would carry out the plan aimed at maintaining order around various churches, major roads, airports, ports and other places where people might gather to observe the religious event.

Holy Week will be ushered in by Palm Sunday on April 1 and culminate on Easter Sunday on April 8.

Bataller said the PNP and the DOTC would be fielding additional personnel to provide support in manning assistance centers set up at various highways, airports, ports, including malls and communication relay stations.

He said Oplan Semana Santa would help ensure that no violence or other untoward incidents occur that could endanger the life of people.

He said checkpoints and help desks would assist motorists and other visitors.

The DOTC, in line with its Oplan Sumvac (Summer vacation), will also set up similar help centers at 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 and major seaports across the region, added Bataller.

The PNP and Army would also deploy personnel to closely watch cell site relay stations and towers in remote villages which were prone to attacks by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.