Heeding President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s call to uphold public safety during Holy Week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government urged all local government units (LGUs) and directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to implement measures for the safe and peaceful observance of Semana Santa this year, placing both agencies on red alert to ensure readiness and response.
Through a memorandum circular, the DILG reminded LGUs to ensure the safety of all citizens who will be participating in religious activities during this year’s Holy Week, which began on April 13 (Palm Sunday) and will end on April 20 (Easter Sunday).
Under the MC, all local chief executives (LCEs) are enjoined to convene their Local Peace and Order Councils, Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils, and other local teams to draw up and implement contingency plans for Semana Santa. This includes ensuring the availability of adequate, safe, and orderly public transportation and emergency medical services, among others.
LCEs are likewise called to mobilize and deploy law and traffic enforcers, medical personnel, and other force multipliers in critical areas such as local and national roads, crime-prone areas or hotspots, transportation terminals, churches, and other public places.
The DILG said that LGUs must also mobilize all resources for garbage collection and disposal, and conduct clean-up operations in all public places, especially after the conduct of religious and social activities.
Earlier, the Department of Tourism announced that over 30 million Filipinos and international travelers are expected to visit popular destinations in the country for this year’s Holy Week.###
