As millions of Filipinos commemorate the passion of Christ in most parts of the country, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) enjoins all local government units (LGUs) to ensure the peaceful and safe observance of the coming Holy Week or Semana Santa.
DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Año says that in anticipation of the heavy influx of people both participating in the religious traditions during Semana Santa or for recreation, LGUs must be on their toes to guarantee that no untoward incidents will take place.
“Semana Santa is a time for spiritual recollection for Filipinos. LGUs should ensure that people can undertake their activities without worrying about their safety,” says Año.
“It [Semana Santa] also falls on the tail-end of school year when students are free to go for a vacation and professionals are enjoying their holiday break, so we are expecting a heavy movement of people taking advantage of this time,” he adds.
In memorandum circular 2018-37 dated March 21, 2018, Año urges local chief executives (LCEs) to convene their respective Local Peace and Order Councils (LPOCs) for action planning, anticipating and preparing for the massive number of Filipinos travelling from various places.
“We encourage LCEs to be proactive in activating their LPOCs for Semana Santa 2018 to put the highest priority in peace, order and public safety while ensuring adequate transportation, medical emergency services,” he says.
He likewise directs LGUs to mobilize their law and traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, public safety officers and force multipliers to intensify visibility in local and national roads; to deploy patrol in crime-prone areas and to heighten traffic management.
Sea and airports and other transportation terminals, pilgrimages, churches, markets and other travel destinations and public places are also priority areas, according to the DILG Chief.
Año also adds that mobilizing all resources in garbage collection and disposal, and cleanup operations of public places must be enforced to guarantee cleanliness and orderliness.
He further urges LCEs to establish close coordination with concerned local authorities such as the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Jail Management Penology (BJMP) and other security and safety authorities.
Security during Semana Santa
In line with the coming Holy Week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also launched “Ligtas SUMVAC 2018”, a 90-day security plan which covers the week of Semana Santa until the second week of June.
According to the PNP, Ligtas SUMVAC 2018 will entail a rigorous mandatory security checks at airports, seaports, and bus terminals to bar criminals or terrorists who might take advantage of the holidays.
Oplan Bantay-Lakbay Police Assistance Centers will also be activated along national highways with the Highway Patrol Group leading the road safety operations in coordination with territorial units.
PNP Chief, Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said that Ligtas SUMVAC 2018 will be in effect during Holy Week break and closing of the school year in March through April, onwards thru the fiesta and Flores de Mayo season in May, and will extend until the opening of classes in June.
PNP will also field more security personnel and establish assistance desks in seaports and in all domestic and international airports nationwide.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will roll-out Oplan Semana Santa and Lakbay Alalay to provide a nationwide supervision of all activities of BFP operating units during summer vacation in the observance of the Holy Week.
“We will be visible on highways, in resorts and places of assembly like churches, religious sites, and malls, even in terminals. We will inspect those areas for fire safety and distribute information and education campaign materials such as leaflets,” says BFP Spokesperson F/Supt Joanne Vallejo.
She says the BFP will be working with the PNP in carrying out the goals of Oplan SUMVAC 2018.
