By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Agencies under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are on full alert status to ensure peace and order during the observance of Holy Week.
The Philippine National (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are attached agencies of the DILG.
“Criminals do not rest, so the DILG and its attached agencies must not rest as well. The security of the people is a paramount priority especially during religious events such as the Lenten season which is why the LGUs and law enforcement agencies must be on top of their game,” DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.
Año urged local government units to mobilize law and traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, public safety officers and force multipliers to churches, religious destinations and even vacation spots during the week.
He also directed the PNP to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to check bus drivers for illegal drug use.
Under PNP’s Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019, operations include road safety and motorist assistance, route security, traffic management, and anti-criminality along major travel routes, places of convergence, and tourist destinations.
The BFP through its Oplan Semana Santa and Oplan Lakbay Alalay prepositioned firefighters in high human-density areas.
The agency also reminded the public who are going to leave their houses during the Holy Week break to always check electrical outlets; make sure that appliances are unplugged if not in use; properly store combustible liquids and turn off LPGs to avoid leakage; and store matches and candles in dry and cool storage, among others.
The BJMP has placed all jails in full alert status in anticipation of the influx of visitors during the week.
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