DILG: PNP, BFP and LGUs on ‘full alert’ during Holy Week

FILE PHOTO: Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday assured the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and local government units (LGUs) across the country would be on “full alert” status from April 2-8.

This, it noted, is to ensure the secure and orderly observation of the Holy Week.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. said he ordered the PNP, BFP, and LGUs to employ measures to guarantee the safety of all Filipinos who would either stay at home or spend their vacation at tourist spots in provinces.

“Sa pangunguna ng PNP ay paiigtingin natin ang police visibility sa buong bansa, lalong-lalo na sa mga identified areas of convergence tulad ng malalaking simbahan, pilgrim sites, terminal, pantalahan, at paliparan pati na rin sa mga mall at iba pang pasyalan,” Abalos said in a statement.

(Led by the PNP, we will intensify police visibility throughout the country, especially in identified areas of convergence such as churches, pilgrim sites, terminals, docks, airports, and malls, among other places of interest.)

According to Abalos, the police force will coordinate with LGUs in monitoring and setting up checkpoints in areas considered “hotspots” for political violence, while the BFP will be ready to extend assistance during fire emergencies.

“Pinaalalahanan din ang mga biyahero na siguraduhing walang nakasaksak na appliance bago umalis ng bahay upang makaiwas sa sunog,” the DILG chief advised.

(Travelers must also unplug their appliances before leaving their homes to avoid fires.)

Moreover, LGUs will work with traffic enforcers and community watchmen to ensure appropriate management of expected tourist influx in their jurisdictions.

“Makakaasa ang publiko na handa ang DILG kasama ang PNP, BFP, at LGUs. Kaisa n’yo po kami sa paggunita sa Semana Santa at sa panalangin para sa patuloy na kaligtasan at kaginhawahan para sa ating bansa,” said abalos.

(The public can expect that the DILG is ready along with the PNP, BFP, and LGUs. We are one with the nation in commemorating Holy Week and praying for continued safety and comfort for our country.)

RELATED STORIES

BI to deploy more personnel in major airports for Holy Week

LTO on alert for Holy Week, summer exodus

CAAP: Airports on heightened alert during Holy Week, April 2-10

KGA/abc