AROUND 34,000 policemen will be deployed to secure public safety and comfort during the Holy Week and the rest of the summer vacation, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured.

On orders of PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the PNP’s Oplan: Ligtas SumVac (Summer Vacation) has been activated ahead of the expected Holy Week rush from March 24 to 30.

During this period, thousands of policemen will be guarding points of major convergence like airports, seaports, bus terminals, Churches, beaches and other tourist spots.

PNP spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo said that under Oplan Ligtas Sumvac, all regional and provincial police offices were instructed to activate their contingency plans and maximize the deployment of personnel through tourist police units in coordination with local government units, local tourism councils and the Department of Tourism.

Fajardo said Police Assistance Desks will also be put up in areas mentioned above as part of security preparations, which also include the deployment of some 7,000 tourist police in major tourist hubs in Metro Manila, Boracay, Cebu and Palawan.

The PNP spokesperson said all 17 Police Regional Office directors have been given the discretion to raise their alert level depending on the prevailing situation in their areas.

“Kung sa tingin nila kung kakailanganin ang alert level sa kanilang lugar, then they have the authority to do so,” she explained.

Fajardo made a last-minute appeal to the public to continue cooperating with authorities by regularly following security protocols that will protect them, their families and their houses while they are away.

These include keeping a close watch on personal belongings while traveling, avoiding posting real-time or “at the moment” travel photos on social media and ensuring that people will keep their houses well-lit and fully locked before going to the provinces.

She particularly asked the public to refrain from posting their travel information like airline tickets, hotel bookings and other itineraries in the social media since criminals are always looking for those signs or indications that their target house will be unoccupied for days.

Better, she asked those leaving their residences for the provinces or abroad to inform their neighbors and barangay officials that they will be away for some time so that their houses will be kept under watch.

Most importantly, the official called on vacationers to ensure that they unplug their appliances and gadgets to avoid fires caused by electricity or faulty electrical wiring.

In related development, National Capital Region Police Office director, Major General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has assured the public of their 100 percent readiness to ensure a safe and peaceful Holy Week and summer vacation in Metro Manila.

The official said they are intensifying their efforts to protect the public during the period of increased travel and religious activities by deploying 11,347 policemen starting March 25.

The NCRPO chief said comprehensive measures will be implemented by the NCRPO to address the unique challenges posed by the Holy Week observance from March 25 to 31 and the onset of the summer vacation from April 1 to May 31 this year.

He said that they are ensuring maximum police visibility to protect Metro Manila residents and returning Overseas Filipino Workers, who are expected to return to their hometowns to observe the Holy Week and celebrate fiestas and other annual summer activities.

The NCRPO will be deploying uniformed and plainclothes officers in major transportation hubs, airports, seaports, Churches, tourist spots and other places of convergence in the metropolis during the period.

Nartatez said they have also sought the help of local government units, other law enforcement agencies and private stakeholders in the metropolis to establish a comprehensive security framework.

“Information-sharing mechanisms and joint operations will be paramount to maintaining a vigilant and responsive security machinery,” he said.

To address potential traffic congestion and enhance public safety, he said that the NCRPO will implement traffic management strategies in coordination with concerned agencies.

This included the deployment of personnel to critical traffic points and the establishment of Police Assistance Desks (PADs) to provide support and assistance for travelers across the region during the period.

The official also reassured the public that the security measures are designed to promote a safe and secure environment for all citizens and visitors.