The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said all units have been placed on heightened alert as part of security preparations for the observance of Holy Week.

The heightened alert status took effect 8 a.m. on Sunday and will be in place until 8 a.m. on April 11, PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia said during Monday’s command conference in Camp Crame.

“The Holy Week is an annual religious event for Filipino Catholics to reflect, repent, and seek forgiveness for their sins. This period is also a time for serious atonement and religious gatherings, which can be exploited by various threat groups to launch attacks such as bombing, other forms of terrorist acts, and violent criminal acts targeting government forces,” he said.

To prevent these potential peace and order concerns, Sermonia has ordered all Police Regional Offices (PROs) and National Operational Support Units (NOSUs) to execute extreme caution and preempt any enemy atrocities.

He said PROs are also given the discretion to raise their alert level depending on the prevailing situation in their respective areas of responsibility (AORs).

All duty personnel are to be deployed at all places of convergence, including transport hubs, places of worship, beaches/resorts, markets, leisure parks and malls.

Furthermore, PNP “red teams” shall be activated and ready for deployment under the supervision of their respective Deputy Director for Operations (DDOs) and Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDOs).

“The safety and security of the public is our utmost priority. We encourage everyone to cooperate with the authorities and follow safety protocols to ensure a peaceful and meaningful Holy Week observance,” Sermonia added.

Jails gearing up

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is also gearing up for the upcoming Holy Week in its jail facilities nationwide.

In a statement, the bureau said all its facilities will be placed on alert status to preempt incidents during the observance.

The BJMP has already coordinated with religious leaders to conduct various activities such as Holy Masses, recollections and religious processions.

Meanwhile, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) are prohibited from practicing self-flagellation to safeguard their health and well-being.

Likewise, the provision of essential supplies such as food, water and medical supplies is also being ensured.

BJMP acting director Jail Chief Supt. Ruel Rivera directed all jail personnel to exercise extra efforts to beef up their security during the Holy Week to prevent any jail incidents.

He also urged all wardens to oversee the readiness of jails, including their action steps in attending to summer-related diseases. (PNA)