Manila: The Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) has directed all Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (PDRRMOs) and response cluster member agencies to raise red alert status in observance of Holy Week or Semana Santa 2025. The Red Alert status will be in effect from April 11 to 21, and aims to ensure all response cluster member agencies are prepared for immediate deployment in case any incidents occur during the observance.
According to Philippines News Agency, the OCD-5 has also advised Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) response agencies to maintain close coordination with the local government units' Emergency Operation Centers and to integrate into their Incident Management Teams structures for efficient disaster response operations. The agency reminded all concerned agencies to continue regular situation monitoring and submit reports to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Operation Center (RDRRMOC) in case of any incidents during the Holy Week observance.
The OCD-5 further emphasized the need to ensure the availability of technical staff and response personnel, especially at the provincial and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMCs). It also stressed the importance of maintaining communication lines, such as hotlines and email, accessible at all times.
