4 days Ago By N/A (Martin Sadongdong)
PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil (Photo: PNP)A total of 28 incidents of drowning, vehicular accidents, and other incidents were recorded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) this Holy Week but the security situation nationwide remains “generally peaceful”.As of Black Friday, April 18, the PNP said it monitored 16 drowning cases in various regions; two vehicular accidents in Metro Manila and Cagayan Valley (Region 2); three fire incidents in Metro Manila, Eastern Visayas (Region 8), and Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9); and an arson case in the Negros Island.To to uphold public safety, security, and order during the Holy Week, the PNP deployed 68,465 personnel nationwide under the “Ligtas Sumvac” (Summer Vacation) 2025 operational plan.
Of this, a total of 19,120 personnel were assigned to places of worship; 18,283 to major thoroughfares; 8,711 to transportation hubs and terminals; 10,125 to commercial areas; and 12,226 to other areas of convergence such as tourist spots and recreational sites.“With millions of Filipinos expected to travel and congregate in churches, pilgrimage sites, transport terminals, beaches, commercial centers, and other public areas, the PNP intensified its presence and operations nationwide,” PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil said.Marbil said the PNP stands ready to protect and serve the Filipinos during the entire Semana Santa, until Black Saturday and Easter Sunday.
“We call on the public to remain vigilant, practice safety measures, and immediately report any untoward incidents to the nearest police station,” the national police chief added.OCD on alertMeanwhile, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and regional DRRMCs have elevated their alert status to ensure a safe and orderly Holy Week observance.Blue alert status indicating heightened preparedness for swift emergency response was raised in the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions 1, 2, 3, Calabarzon (Region 4A), Mimaropa (Region 4B), 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Caraga (Region 13), and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Meanwhile, red alert was hoisted in Bicol (Region 5) and Western Visayas (Region 6) due to potential threats from Mayon Volcano and Kanlaon Volcano, respectively, as well as anticipated weather disturbances during the Lenten season. OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said extensive measures have been put in place by various government agencies to secure the safety and well-being of the public. “All government agencies are fully prepared and actively coordinating efforts to support Filipinos in observing Holy Week with peace of mind and spiritual reflection,” OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said.
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