By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – More than 12,000 police officers and force multipliers have been deployed across Metro Manila to ensure public safety during the Holy Week and summer vacation.
The security units are assigned in places of convergence like transport hubs, major thoroughfares and commercial areas, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
In a press briefing, NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said the deployment is also in preparation for anticipated rallies in connection with oil price increases.
Police assistance desks will also be set up in 135 transport hubs and 329 churches in the region.
“These (churches) are some of the areas we will be guarding and we will be deploying 1,153 police personnel,” Asilo said.
Meanwhile the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Highway Patrol Group has been tasked to work closely with bus operators and management.
“Our proactive measures include road worthiness inspections in coordination with the LTO (Land Transportation Office) and LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) and even the readiness of drivers,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a news release.
Millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to their hometowns during the summer break, which may result in a spike in the number of road accidents.
An average of 32 people die every day or 11,000 annually in the Philippines due to road accidents, most of them aged 15 to 29 years, according to data from the United Nations. (PNA)
