PNP deploys over 90,000 cops for Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines — Even if there is no threat being monitored during the observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is on heightened alert status, with 91,201 personnel deployed to secure the public in churches, transportation hubs, and other places of convergence.

PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde said Monday he gave authority to regional police directors to increase the alert level in their respective units, depending on the situation in their areas of coverage.

“But most probably by Wednesday we will be going for a full alert status, especially doon sa mga regions na pinupuntahan ng ating mga kababayan for vacation and worship (in areas where our countrymen go for vacation and worship),” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

He said the PNP is not taking for granted any threat that could be monitored through intelligence information sources.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Colonel Bernard Banac said the police officers deployed to secure public places during the Holy Week are also the same personnel deployed for the rest of the summer season.

Earlier, the PNP deployed 77,536 nationwide to secure the public during summer. /ee

READ: Over 70,000 cops to secure public during summer