PNP aims for zero-casualty Lenten break

Negros Prov’l Gov’t, PDRRMC, PCG, BFP, Police to heighten alert

As the country begins the Holy Week and while the holy month of Ramadan is ongoing, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. today called on all commanders of the force to aspire for a zero-casualty observance.

“Let’s all ensure that no untoward incidents will happen at the airports and seaports especially [involving] the baggage or belongings of passengers. To those taking the bus, please ensure that the drivers are okay, not tired and the buses are in good running condition. Let’s keep this Holy Week one of the safest and most peaceful one,” Azurin said in a statement.

“Let’s aspire for zero casualties among our personnel and the community we are serving and protecting as we observe our holy week,” he added.

The PNP launched its annual “Ligtas SumVac (Summer Vacation) 2023” campaign with the deployment of 74,114 police officers to ensure the safety and security of the public during the Holy Week.

To assist the public and promptly address specific complaints, Assistance Hubs and Police Assistance Desks with a total of 38,387 officers will be deployed through mobile and foot/beat patrol.

An additional 39,504 officers will be deployed for specific areas of convergence such as major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, terminals, commercial areas, and places of worship.

The PNP chief also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and follow safety protocols.

“The deployment of our police officers is aimed to provide maximum security coverage to the public who will take part in the various religious activities,” said Azurin. (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)
IN NEGROS

The entire Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) in Negros Occidental will be placed on “Blue Alert” status in observance of the Holy Week or “Semana Santa.”

In an order signed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and Operations Center will be placed on the blue alert status by 8:00 a.m. of April 5, Wednesday until April 10, 2023 Monday.

Lacson also advised the other city and municipal DRRMOs in the province to heighten their alert status and intensify road safety measures.

He also ordered them to deploy responders and resources to different areas where there is a large number of people such as churches and resorts.

Aside from the PDRRMO, other agencies such as the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bacolod City Police Office have also been placed on heightened alert status.

Both NOCPPO and the BCPO will assign personnel to guard churches, terminals, and resorts, and they have also instructed the police chiefs to place help desks in their respective areas of operation.

The PCG, meanwhile, have strengthened their monitoring on the province’s seaports and have issued warnings against colorum boats that will ferry travelers to neighboring islands or conduct unauthorized leisure cruises.

They have also checked the various resorts in the province to make sure that they have certified lifeguards.* (DGB)