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Laoag City beefs up security measures for Semana Santa 2024

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) -- The City Government of Laoag, through its Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), is on full alert status as it ensures the security of tourists and locals visiting the city during the Holy Week season.


CDRRM Head Dr. Melvin Manuel said they are in close coordination with the city police station, city tourism office, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Red Cross, and the barangay officials to assist in patrolling the city’s tourist attractions and business district.


Manuel said their main focus is preventing drowning incidents mainly in Gabu beach and Calayab beach.


“The Laoag DRRM office with the coast guard will have a station at Fort Ilocandia beach starting March 27 to 31 and we can extend until April 1, depending on the number of visitors still present by that time,” he said.


Moreover, BFP Laoag City Chief Inspector Claire Simbol assured that firetrucks and ambulances will be stationed at the city’s business district and rotonda for faster response in case of fire incidents.

Meanwhile, city tourism officer Angel Lao said they have already checked all hotels for tourist data arrival to anticipate the number of visitors the city will have during the holy week.


“In coordination with the city police, we have already deployed security teams in our main tourist attractions to safeguard visitors. We also put up posters and distributed flyers to public transportations in the city containing the hotline numbers of the city in case of emergencies,” she said.


She added they are anticipating an influx of visitors at the St. Williams Cathedral, Sinking Belltower, La Paz Sand Dunes, and Gabu and Calayab beaches.


For residents who will be vacationing outside the city, the CDRRMO reminded them to ensure they do not leave any appliances unplugged to avoid fire incidents and to properly lock their doors and windows to avoid burglary.


Manuel also reminded motorists to check their vehicles before traveling, to ensure that their engines, brakes, wirings, lights, and wheels are properly working to prevent road accidents. (JCR/MJTAB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)

HOTLINE NUMBERS: Locals and tourists visiting Laoag City can call these numbers in case of emergencies and other concerns during their visit. (Courtesy: Laoag Tourism Office)

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