ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) deployed 13,000 police officers to help secure the public during Holy Week and Ramadan.
Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco, PRO-6 director, said city and provincial directors, and municipal police chiefs, were directed to deploy their personnel to pilgrimage sites, churches, seaports and terminals.
“We are on heightened alertc. We have men in places of public convergence. We have assistance desks where people can inquire,” Francisco said.
He added that all police leaves were suspended except for sick leave to make sure that maximum personnel are on the field.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ordered all unit forces to make sure no major incidents will happen during Holy Week.
“Let’s all ensure that no untoward incidents will happen at the airports and seaports especially [involving] the baggage or belongings of passengers. To those taking the bus, please ensure that the drivers are okay, not tired and the buses are in good running condition. Let’s keep this Holy Week one of the safest and most peaceful,” Azurin said.
He added, “Let’s aspire for zero casualty as we observe Holy Week.”
Holy Week began on Palm Sunday, April 2, and will end on Easter Sunday, April 9.
Ramadan, meanwhile, is observed for 29 to 30 days. It began on March 23 and is expected to end on April 20.
Muslims will celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, on April 21./PN
