Police Regional Office 3 Director PBGen. Jose S. Hidalgo, Jr. said that over 1,000 PNP personnel coming from the different police units in Central Luzon will be deployed region wide during Holy Week, from March 25 to March 31, 2024. 

“We are expecting influx of passengers in bus terminals and at the same time pilgrims and devotees to local churches and pilgrimage sites are expected to flock especially on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, this is why I have ordered the maximum deployment of our personnel as well as I have tapped the support of other police units within the region. We have also solicited the support of our force multipliers and auxiliary forces to include our BPATs (Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams) and Radio net groups to help us ensure public safety,” Hidalgo said.

He further stated that police presence is being intensified through increased foot/mobile patrols and established Police Assistance Desks/Centers (PADs/Cs). Also, road safety marshals will be deployed in convergence points particularly in bus terminals, airport, seaports and recreational areas including highways, main thoroughfares and crime prone areas to ensure maximum police presence. 

PNP personnel across the region will also provide area security in churches and chapels on Palm Sunday as the Holy Week will officially start on said occasion.

“Semana Santa is a time for spiritual reflection for our Catholic devotees and we want them to hold their devout activities without worries. We are committed to ensure their safety and maintain peace and order in the week-long observance of Holy Week,” Hidalgo concluded.