CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) -- Law enforcement agencies in Central Visayas have geared up their respective safety and security preparations as a huge volume of travelers are expected to congregate in transportation hubs for the observance of Holy Week.

The Police Regional Office (PRO7) has directed all city and provincial  police offices and regional support units to implement their security plan, manage traffic situations, and provide public safety services during the Holy Week.

The police will deploy safety marshals who will be stationed in the main thoroughfares, such as terminals, seaports, airports, malls, churches, and other locations of convergence.

Police information desks will also be set up in these areas.

PRO7 said although they expect a peaceful observation of the Holy Week, they will continue to secure the said areas.

“We will not be complacent. The PRO-7 has already instituted safety and security measures to ensure that the public will have a peaceful, secured, and solemn observance of Holy Week,” said PRO7 spokesperson Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare during the recent Kapihan sa PIA forum.

A total of 5,272 police personnel will be deployed to check and monitor the security situation during the Holy Week observance.

Of the total, 4,042 are Philippine National Police personnel, 863 force multipliers, and 367 from other law enforcement agencies.

“This weekend, the PRO7, along with our partner agencies in the security sector and the DRRMO of the LGUs, will have a send-off ceremony for the personnel to be deployed during the Holy Week',” Pelare added.

He also assured that the police is ready to perform their duties to ensure public safety and security this Holy Week.

“I would like to assure everyone that your police and other members of the security forces are ready, and we expect that we can have a safe, peaceful, and solemn Holy Week,” said Pelare.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Central Visayas also set up their preparations to ensure the smooth operations of sea transport facilities, convenient sea travel, and the safety of all travelers this Holy Week.

PCG will deploy K-9 units in seaports to check the baggage of passengers.

They will also put up medical teams, install medical stations, helpdesks, and deploy volunteers who are ready to respond during emergencies.

A total of 850 Coast Guard personnel will be assigned in different seaports in the region.

“The PCG in Central Visayas is committed to ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of the travelers. Ang PCG nag expect og high influx of passengers, but ready gyud ang PCG, in fact naka heightened alert nami for observance of Holy Week,” said Coast Guard District Central Visayas information officer Abel Jan Lomboy in the same forum.

(PCG expects a high influx of passengers, but we are ready and we are on heightened aler for the Holy Week.)

The PCG staff will also hold pre-departure inspections to ensure the seaworthiness of the sea vessels to prevent overloading.

“Sa mga passengers, mo follow lang gyud sa mga rules and regulations para smooth atong byahe og sa atong pagbyahe agi sa ports molikay lang ta sa pagdala sa mga butang nga gidili to avoid inconvenience,” Lomboy added.

(To the passengers, please follow the rules and regulations in the ports for a smooth and hassle-free travel. Don’t bring along prohibited items to avoid inconvenience.) (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)