The Philippine National Police remained on full alert Tuesday as it wound down its Holy Week operations, and shifted its focus on tourist attractions during the summer season.

 

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome gave regional commanders the discretion to lower alert levels in their turfs, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported.

 

Bartolome noted the PNP had been on full alert since March 28, when the PNP prepared to secure passengers heading for the provinces to spend the Holy Week.

 

Many Filipinos who spent their Holy Week vacations in the provinces were expected to be back in Metro Manila Tuesday, the first working day after the Holy Week.

 

Since Saturday, several Filipinos made their way home by land, sea and air. On Tuesday, many buses packed with vacationers who spent the Holy Week in the provinces arrived in Metro Manila.

 

Police remained on alert at transport terminals to secure the passengers and protect them from criminals who may mug them.

 

On the other hand, the dzBB report quoted Bartolome as saying police should keep their alert up especially in tourist spots as part of their Oplan SumVac (Summer Vacation).

 

Many Filipinos are still expected to make summer outings until at least May, before June, when the new school year—and the rainy season—set in. –KG, GMA News