Report: PNP says Holy Week generally peaceful

Except for a deadly attack by communist rebels on a Good Friday procession in Butuan City, this year's observance of Holy Week has been generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police said on Black Saturday. A report on state-run Philippines News Agency quoted PNP operations head Director Alex Paul Monteagudo as saying no other major untoward incident has been noted as of Saturday. "Public assistance centers put up in strategic locations along major thoroughfares and transport terminals, airports and seaports are under strict orders to remain in their posts until after the last traveler has safely returned," the PNA report quoted Monteagudo as saying. He said the police protection, which is part of Oplan SumVac (Summer Vacation), will remain until at least Easter Monday when Filipinos return from the provinces. The PNA report also quoted PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. as saying police accosted more violators of the election gun ban. Citing PNP figures, the PNA said at least 2,032 gun ban violators were arrested and 1,982 firearms seized as of Black Saturday. Checkpoints in Butuan Earlier Saturday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the PNP tightened checkpoint operations in areas around Butuan City to go after the NPA rebels who attacked a Good Friday procession. At least one Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member was killed in the attack. The PNP is also checking nearby hospitals for NPA members who may have been wounded in Friday's incident, it added. On Friday, NPA fighters attacked a procession marking the 'Panaad 2013' highlighted by the  Stations of the Cross at Sitio Eyao in Barangay Anticala, Butuan City at 5:30 a.m. Despite the attack,  police secured the 14 stations and ensured the completion of the Panaad. Friday's incident coincided with the NPA's 44th anniversary, with the Communist Party of the Philippines instructing the NPA to intensify its tactical offensives. Bus firms brace for return trips With Holy Week winding down, bus firms are bracing for full trips back to Metro Manila starting noon of Easter Sunday. Victory Liner, in a post on its Twitter account, said it expects a "peak volume" of passengers after lunch of Sunday until Monday morning. "Plan ahead based on information that our provincial terminals and highways have peak volume of people starting after lunch on Sunday (until) Monday (morning)," it advised passengers.

On Easter Sunday, Baguio terminal will dispatch trips back to Mmla every 10 minutes. Pls buy your tkt already if you are in Baguio now.

— Victory Liner Inc. (@VictoryLinerInc) March 29, 2013

@makucortez05 Coz we need to bring home 2 days worth of passengers all in one day. We are preparing already

— Victory Liner Inc. (@VictoryLinerInc) March 29, 2013

The company also warned passengers it may not be able to accommodate them if they try to get a ride between stations. "On Easter Sunday our buses will leave our terminals already full so it will be difficult to get a ride midpoint along the highway," it said. — LBG, GMA News