Manila: The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has deployed more than 800 road safety marshals along significant thoroughfares to maximize police visibility during Holy Week. In a statement on Monday, PNP-HPG spokesperson Lt. Dame Malang said personnel will also be deployed in places of convergence and tourist spots. He said this is part of the intensified security maintenance now that there is an influx of vacationers and those returning home from their respective provinces. Malang reminded vacationers to make sure their vehicles are in good running condition to prevent accidents.
According to Philippines News Agency, in Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will deploy over 10,000 police officers and force multipliers during Holy Week. NCRPO Director Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, in a radio interview on Monday, said the police personnel are ready to respond immediately in case of emergencies. Police Regional Office 3 (Central Luzon) chief Gen. Jean Fajardo, meanwhile, said over 1,000 cops will also be deployed across the region to ensure public safety and maintain order.
'In response, I have directed the maximum deployment of police forces and the activation of support units across the region to safeguard our communities,' Fajardo said in a statement on Monday. 'Each year, we observe a surge of travelers in transport terminals and an influx of pilgrims and devotees in churches and pilgrimage sites, especially during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.'
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Albay has announced half-day work suspension on Holy Wednesday. As stated in Memorandum Order No. 032, Series of 2025, all departments and offices under the provincial government will cease operations starting 12 noon to give employees time to prepare for the regular holidays on Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18). Essential services such as health care, social welfare, and disaster response will remain on standby for any emergencies that may occur.
