The armed forces have been tapped to augment police units in providing security to churches, popular pilgrimage sites and other places expected to draw devotees and vacationers alike during the long Holy Week break.
In an interview on Sunday, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), assured that the deployment of troops is not connected to any particular threat.
“The public need not be alarmed at the presence of soldiers at churches and vacation spots this Holy Week. The purpose of our presence is simply to provide additional security and
support to the police and local governments, not to make people anxious,” Padilla told Manila Standard in Filipino.
“Soldiers are there to help ensure order, to help in crowd control, and for quick response to any incidents. This is part of our commitment to a peaceful and safe Holy Week,” she added.
She said the number of troops assigned to churches varied, depending on the coordination of the local government and police units on the ground to ensure public safety during the observation of Holy Week.
Aside from places of worship, the AFP also augmented security to help local authorities maintain peace and order in traditional vacation sites such as Baguio City, Palawan, and Boracay—including other beaches across Visayas and Mindanao.
“Our deployment is adjustable based on the security assessment of ground commanders and the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers (JPSCC) to ensure that our countrymen are safe while on vacation,” Padilla explained.
Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced that some 10,000 police officers and force multipliers will be deployed across Metro Manila to ensure public safety over the Holy Week.
NCRPO chief, Major Gen. Anthony Aberin said that 1,071 police officers will be stationed at 300 churches, 791 along major roads managing traffic, 399 officers at transport hubs, 592 in malls and business centers, and 982 in parks and recreational spaces.
Additionally, 286 cops will be stationed at entry points in NCR, 647 will be manning checkpoints, and over 2,000 policemen will be on foot patrol in strategic locations.
“We will have 24/7 security coverage. Our target is to secure key locations, from serene places of worship to bustling transport terminals and busy commercial areas,” Aberin said.
The mass deployment of security personnel begins today.
As this developed, the Department of Health on Sunday activated a nationwide ‘Code White Alert’ to ensure readiness for medical emergencies and urged Filipinos to observe a safe and healthy Holy Week, as millions travel to different places for religious activities and family gatherings.
“Let us stay alert on the roads as many people will be traveling,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
“Because of the extreme heat, we should also be careful about its effects on the body. Heat stroke can be avoided by not staying too long under the sun and by drinking plenty of water regularly,” he added.
The DOH recommends that people dress in light clothing, avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and seek shade or shelter when necessary.
Effective April 13 through April 20, under the ‘Code White Alert,’ all DOH hospitals and health facilities will have standby medical teams and continuous operations throughout the observance.
Hospitals have been directed to prepare emergency rooms, ambulances, and response teams in anticipation of possible life-threatening emergencies.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Military augments security to ensure public safety on Holy Week”