PNP to deploy 52K cops for Holy Week security

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said all systems across all government agencies are “a go” for Holy Week.

Acorda said at least 52,000 police personnel and 427 K-9 units will be deployed nationwide to secure the public expected to go on an exodus to the provinces for the Lenten break.

“There is sufficient enough personnel or manpower that is deployed in the different areas of concern like roads and even convergence [areas], in ports and airports.  Our intelligence monitoring will also continue," he said.

"If there is a need to add more, we have a reserve force that we can tap,” he added in an inter-agency press conference Friday that was also joined by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

From the MMDA, close to 2,300 personnel will be on duty as the agency implements a "no absent, no leave" policy.

The BFP said its 28,000 personnel and 3,472 emergency vehicles will be on standby.

The 30,000 personnel of the PCG will also be ready next week, the Coast Guard said.

While no threats have been observed, the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines said they are ramping up security for the public's safety.

"We don't see any threat.  We just want to make sure that we are covered," Acorda said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health is under code white from March 24 to 31, which means that operations centers are active 24/7 for emergencies.

“It’s a whole [of] government approach. We will have our regular coordination meeting.  The DOH will provide the information campaigns advocacy even before this Semana Santa,” said Maria Belinda Evangelista of the DOH Emergency Management Bureau.

The DOTr also launched hotline 1326 with the Department of Interior and Local Government, PNP and Scamwatch Pilipinas to combat travel scams during the long holiday.—LDF, GMA Integrated News