PNP: Nearly 60K personnel to secure 2026 Holy Week, summer vacation

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy nearly 60,000 personnel including cops and force multipliers nationwide to ensure safety during the 2026 Holy Week and summer vacation.

At a press briefing on Monday, PNP’s Public Safety Division tourist security and protection section chief Police Captain Amie Centro-Tiu said a total of 59,416 personnel have been mobilized under “Ligtas Semana Santa 2026.”

“As we approach the observance of the Holy Week, the Philippine National Police is fully prepared to ensure the safety, security and orderliness of the public,” she said.

Of the total number, 39,540 are PNP personnel, 5,185 are augmentation forces, and 14,691 are from advocacy groups.

Authorities will focus on 3,277 tourist destinations across the country, where police visibility will increase through foot patrols and assistance desks, according to the PNP.

Police said no specific threats have been monitored so far including in churches.

The PNP noted that tourist volume may decline considering rising fuel prices and travel costs caused by tensions in the Middle East.

Road crash

During the Holy Week and summer vacation period last year from March 30 to May 30, 2025, the PNP’s Highway Patrol Group (HPG) recorded 35,900 road crash incidents, mostly due to speeding violations.

HPG deputy director for operations Police Colonel Bernard Marzal said police will enforce strict traffic law enforcement, checkpoints, and visibility to help prevent such incidents.

“Reminder sa ating mga (to our) motorists. Plan in advance to avoid yung peak hours and congestion. Always check yung vehicle if this is roadworthy, BLOWBAGETS (Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, and Self),” he said.

“Usually, minsan yung human errors na sabi niyo nga. Avoid traveling na fatigued, nakainom. Always follow traffic rules. And now that we are in oil crisis, you should practice fuel efficient driving,” he added.

(Usually, sometimes it's human errors. Avoid traveling tired and intoxicated. Always follow traffic rules. And now that we are in oil crisis, you should practice fuel efficient driving.)

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said 12,370 personnel will be deployed across Metro Manila.

They will cover transport hubs or terminals, major roads, commercial areas, and convergence points, as churches. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News