The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) is set to deploy 3,060 personnel to intensify its presence in securing public safety during the summer and Lenten season.
In an interview on Thursday, PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon said the deployment is part of preparedness efforts to ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly celebration of Holy Week throughout the region.
Of the 3,060 personnel to be deployed from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, 485 will be assigned in Albay, 259 in Camarines Norte, 614 in Camarines Sur, 452 in Catanduanes, 262 in Masbate, 516 in Sorsogon, and 472 in Naga.
“The police personnel will be stationed in places of worship in 222 churches, five monasteries, and 48 Stations of the Cross, as well as 534 other areas where people commonly gather, such as tourist destinations, beach resorts, and commercial establishments,” he said.
Dizon said Oplan Semana Santa 2025 covers crowd management, traffic control, and general security.
He said traffic flow is expected to be congested due to the large number of travelers, road repairs, and checkpoints that will be implemented.
The PRO-5 advised the public to be prepared, ensure vehicles are in good condition, and be patient while traveling.
To prevent being robbed, people are advised to lock all doors and windows of their houses and make sure there are no entry points for robbers, and if possible, leave the light outside, especially in the dark areas of the house.
The police also urged residents to install a burglar alarm or closed-circuit television cameras to help monitor their properties and so they could report to the police any suspicious activities in their area.
Meanwhile, the police urged businesses to train their staff and actively participate in the community, not store excess cash in the register, install security devices, use deterrence signage, and install physical security measures.
To prevent incidents involving the “Salisi Gang,” the PRO-5 suggested the following: being alert of their surroundings and being wary of strangers; not leaving their belongings exposed in public places; placing their bag on the table or chair, or keeping it on their lap; and bringing only enough money when going to the market.
It also advised the public to secure their belongings at all times; avoid displaying or using valuable items in public; stay alert in crowded places; remain close to areas with security presence, such as near police officers or stations; and save the contact number of the police and immediately report any suspicious activity in their surroundings.
The PRO-5 also urged drivers to ensure car maintenance and road safety and encouraged shoppers to take precautions against strangers and avoid sharing personal information, especially online, to protect public safety.
The police said main roads will also be closely monitored, especially along 170 national highways, 27 areas with road construction, four airports, and 29 seaports to ensure smooth and safe travel across the Bicol region. (PNA)
