Legazpi City: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 in Bicol is gearing up for the upcoming Lenten and summer vacation seasons by deploying 3,060 police officers to enhance public safety and security across the region. This deployment is part of a strategic initiative to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of Holy Week.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon outlined the deployment plan, which will see personnel stationed from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The assignments include 485 officers in Albay, 259 in Camarines Norte, 614 in Camarines Sur, 452 in Catanduanes, 262 in Masbate, 516 in Sorsogon, and 472 in Naga. The officers will be present in 222 churches, five monasteries, and 48 Stations of the Cross, as well as 534 popular gathering spots such as tourist destinations, beach resorts, and commercial establishments.
The initiative, known as Oplan Semana Santa 2025, focuses on crowd management, traffic control, and general security. With an expected increase in travelers, road repairs, and checkpoints, traffic congestion is anticipated. The PRO-5 advises the public to prepare accordingly, ensure vehicle maintenance, and exercise patience while traveling.
To help prevent robberies, the police recommend securing homes by locking doors and windows and leaving outside lights on, particularly in dark areas. Residents are also encouraged to install burglar alarms or closed-circuit television cameras to monitor their properties and report any suspicious activities to the police.
Businesses are urged to train staff, avoid storing excess cash in registers, and implement physical security measures. To combat incidents involving the 'Salisi Gang,' the PRO-5 suggests always being alert, safeguarding personal belongings, and carrying only necessary funds when visiting markets.
The public is further advised to keep their valuables secure, remain vigilant in crowded areas, stay near security personnel, and save police contact numbers for immediate reporting of suspicious activities. The PRO-5 also emphasizes the importance of car maintenance and road safety for drivers, and advises shoppers to be cautious with personal information, especially online.
Main roads and critical infrastructure, including 170 national highways, 27 areas with road construction, four airports, and 29 seaports, will be closely monitored to ensure safe travel throughout the Bicol region.
