The Negros Occidental Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) is now on “blue alert” status in the observance of Holy Week, from April 6 to 10.
Blue alert means that continuous monitoring and preparedness measures are being heightened by the PDMPD.
Irene Bel Plotena, PDMPD focal person, yesterday said that they are on standby and ready for deployment, especially during Holy Thursday (April 6), Good Friday (April 7), and Easter Sunday (April 9).
It will be a long vacation for those working in private and government offices, starting noon of April 5 until April 10, which has been declared as non-working holiday by Malacañang.
Plotena said they have personnel who will render duty at emergency operation centers, on top of members of the Philippine Army, PNP, Philippine Coast Guard as well as the Bureau of Fire Protection, who will be placed on standby for any eventuality.
The PDMPD will also focus its attention on various tourist destinations, as well as beaches and mountain resorts in Negros Occidental.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and the Bacolod City Police Office are also implementing the PNP “Oplan Ligtas SumVac (summer vacation) 2023” campaign, to ensure the safe travel of motorists and commuters this Holy Week and during summer months.
To jumpstart the campaign, the PNP has released a set of operational guidelines for police units and stations to provide a safe and peaceful environment for those who will travel to their respective provinces or tourist destinations to observe Holy Week and celebrate local fiestas and other significant events.
It will also intensify checkpoint operations to ensure the safety and security of all commuters.
All provincial and city police offices were directed to conduct regular inspections and mobile patrols to ensure maximum police presence in crowded places, such as bus terminals, seaports, airports, and other transport hubs.
To assist the public and promptly address specific complaints, assistance hubs (AHs) and police assistance desks (PADs) were established to enhance police presence through mobile and foot/beat patrols./GB
