President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to “embrace hope, unity and compassion” as he joined the country in the observance of Easter Sunday, marking what he described as the “triumph of life over death and renewal over suffering.”
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Sunday ordered all police commanders to maintain a strong and active presence along major thoroughfares and transportation hubs as millions of travelers return to Metro Manila and other urban areas following the Holy Week break.
In his Easter message, President Marcos underscored the significance of Resurrection of Jesus Christ, saying it serves as a “powerful testament that life conquers death and hope prevails over despair.”
“Across generations, Easter has reminded us that sacrifice is never in vain, that suffering is not the end but the beginning of renewal,” the President said.
He said the message of Easter carries a clear call to action, urging Filipinos to transform faith into concrete acts that uplift others and strengthen communities.
“As a people known for our resilience and deep faith, let us carry the light of Easter into our daily lives, not only in words, but in action,” Mr. Marcos said.
“Let us always choose compassion over indifference, generosity over self-interest, and unity over division,” he added.
President Marcos framed the observance as an opportunity for national renewal, calling on Filipinos to rise with “renewed purpose, unyielding hope, and a deep sense of responsibility for one another.”
He stressed that collective action rooted in shared values would be key to overcoming challenges and advancing the country’s progress.
“For when we stand together guided by faith, bound by love of country, and driven by a shared vision, there is no challenge we cannot overcome,” he said.
According to the PNP, this year’s Holy Week observance was generally peaceful and orderly, with more than 98,000 officers mobilized and placed under full alert status until Easter Sunday, April 5.
Although there were recorded incidents related to road and beach safety, the Nartatez said there were no significant events that affected the overall police preparations to secure the long weekend.
“I commend all the commanders and personnel for a job well done. Our sacrifices, from planning to implementation of the security measures, really paid off, and this was not possible without the dedication and hard work, especially of our personnel on the ground,” Nartatez said.
However, the police chief said their job is not yet finished as they have to secure the return of the travelers to their homes.
“Safe travel of millions of our people remains our top priority. We remain on full alert status, and our personnel on the ground are ready to respond to any peace and order and public safety concerns,” Nartatez said.
“We will continue to be vigilant and responsive until every traveler has safely returned home. The safety and well-being of our kababayans remain a priority,” he added.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Marcos renews call for unity in Easter message”
