SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO 1) reported on Tuesday a successful Holy Week in the Ilocos Region, crediting a comprehensive security plan dubbed "Ligtas Summer Vacation (SumVac) 2024" for the peaceful observance.
PRO 1 strategically deployed over 1,700 police personnel across the region.
This included officers stationed at churches, tourist destinations, transportation hubs, and along major roads to manage traffic and deter crime.
To strengthen security, the plan implemented several measures: Bisikleta Iglesia patrols around churches, random drug testing of bus drivers for passenger safety, public safety awareness campaigns with disseminated tips, and readily available assistance from Motorist Assistance Centers (MACs) and Police Assistance Desks (PADs) for travelers.
Additionally, red teaming operations ensured the deployed officers' preparedness.
The increased security measures yielded significant results from March 25-31, 2024, including the arrest of 50 wanted persons, apprehension of 20 drug personalities, the capture of 13 illegal gamblers, and the surrender of 10 communist terrorist group members.
PRO 1 chief, Police Brigadier General Lou Evangelista, commended his personnel for their dedication, highlighting their role in securing the Holy Week observance.
“I commend the men and women of PRO 1 for their sincere efforts, dedication and hardwork in ensuring the peaceful observance of the Lenten Season. Ang inyong pagod at sakrispisyo ay nagbunga ng isang maayos at secured na Semana Santa,” he stressed.
(I commend the men and women of PRO 1 for their tireless efforts and dedication during the Lenten Season. Their hard work ensured a peaceful and secured Holy Week.)
However, the PRO 1’s report also acknowledges nine drowning incidents (mostly in Pangasinan) and five vehicular accidents during the period.
Overall, this highlights the success of the PRO 1's security plan in creating a safe and peaceful Holy Week for the Ilocos Region. (JCR/AMB/PIA Region 1)
