NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office director, Major General Anthony A. Aberin, yesterday assured Metro Manila residents and visitors of maximum police visibility to ensure their 24-hour security during the Holy Week.

The official said that over 10,000 NCRPO officers and men have been mobilized to provide maximum security coverage during the week, when tens of thousands of Metro Manila residents are expected to troop to the provinces to visit Catholic churches and other tourist destinations and leave their residences.

With Metro Manila preparing for an increased flow of people this Holy Week, the official said they are taking extensive measures to ensure public safety with the deployment of a huge number of security personnel to safeguard key locations, from serene places of worship to bustling transport terminals and busy commercial areas.

Maj. Gen. Aberin said over 1,000 of the NCRPO men will guard some 300 Catholic churches in the metropolis while the rest will manage traffic along major roads to ensure smooth journey of the people and secure those going to the malls, business centers and parks and other recreational places.

He added that they will also be security entry points to Metro Manila and continue their enforcement of the Comelec-imposed gun ban during the period.

Mobile and motorcycle patrols, he said, will also enhance responsiveness, while covert Red Teams will conduct discreet security assessments.

The Metro Manila police chief said their Reactionary Standby Support Force composed of more than 1,300 policemen will also be on alert during the period and ready for deployment in case the need arises.

Maj. Gen. Aberin underscored the importance of vigilance during the period.

“Holy Week, while a time for faith and reflection, can unfortunately be seen as an opportunity by those with criminal intent,” he warned.

This is the reason why the NCRPO is significantly increasing its visible presence and overall vigilance to ensure a peaceful and secure observance for everyone, he added.

He also asked travelers by land to remember the BLOWBAGETS (Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Enginer, Tire, Self) check before driving to ensure their travel will be hassle-free.

“We have ordered for a 24/7 strict and flexible security coverage for Metro Manila during the Holy Week. I expect every police officer’s commitment to their assigned tasks. I, together with the senior officers of NCRPO, will be on the ground to ensure the prompt and proper delivery of police services towards our collective of having a safe, secure, and solemn Holy Week,” he said.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon