DILG puts PNP, BFP, BJMP on full alert this Holy Week

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday placed the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) on full alert status to ensure a peaceful observance of Holy Week.

"Criminals do not rest, so the DILG and its attached agencies must not rest as well. The security of the people is a paramount priority especially during religious events such as the Lenten season which is why the LGUs (local government units) and law enforcement agencies must be on top of their game," Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

"Bawal muna magpahinga sapagkat ang Semana Santa ay panahon din ng mga mapagsamantala," he added.

The DILG chief said local police and local chief executives must ensure peace and order in airports and seaports, transportation terminals, pilgrimages, churches, markets and other travel destinations and public places.

Año also ordered the PNP to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in ensuring that bus drivers are free from using illegal drugs.

"Nasa kamay ng ating mga bus driver ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan sa pagbiyahe nila pauwi sa kanilang mga probinsya para gunitain ang Semana Santa kaya bawal ang adik na driver sa kalsada," Año said.

Año also said local government units should coordinate with local security units as well as mobilize law and traffic enforcers, Barangay Peace Action Keeping Teams, public safety officers and force multipliers to religious destinations and vacation spots.

Meanwhile, the management of the BFP said it would implement Oplan Semana Santa and Oplan Lakbay Alalay in which firefighters will be deployed in high human-density areas.

"Since people will be out of their homes, the red alert status is raised to double-guard the area of responsibilities of the different fire stations," BFP spokesperson Fire Chief Inspector Jude delos Reyes said.

"Some of the fire trucks will also be deployed for visibility and will be positioned in major routes taken by travelers," he added.

On the other hand, the BJMP said it would perform inspections to ensure readiness of jail facilities.

It is also expecting an increase of visitors for inmates this Holy Week. — RSJ, GMA News