PNP, BFP under red alert to aid, protect Holy Week travelers

THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday placed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on red alert, mobilizing all available personnel and resources to ensure public safety as millions of Filipinos travel to the provinces for the Holy Week break.

With authorities anticipating over 30 million people converging in churches, pilgrimage sites and tourist destinations nationwide, the DILG has issued a sweeping directive ordering local governments to implement heightened security and emergency measures for the safe observance of the Holy Week.

The DILG memorandum mandates local chief executives to activate peace and order councils and disaster response teams, placing special focus on critical areas, including major thoroughfares, transportation hubs and crowded religious sites.

Police and traffic enforcers have been ordered to maintain a 24/7 presence in high-risk zones, while emergency medical teams stand ready to respond to heatstroke, accidents, or other health emergencies.

Local governments have been instructed to ensure smooth public transportation operations, pre-position emergency responders, and conduct rapid cleanup operations in public spaces following religious gatherings.

Also, the DILG emphasized the need for round-the-clock monitoring, particularly of known crime hotspots and areas expecting massive pilgrim crowds.

This order came as the Department of Tourism (DOT) reports an expected surge in both local and foreign travelers, with top destinations like Boracay, Baguio and Cebu preparing for an influx of visitors.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said, "Our priority is the safety of every Filipino observing Holy Week religious traditions. We will not tolerate lapses in security or emergency response."

With the faithful already gathering for Palm Sunday processions and Visita Iglesia, the government's red alert status will remain until Easter Sunday, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to any potential crisis.