ANTIQUE – To ensure the public’s safe and smooth observance of Holy Week and summer vacation in the province of Antique, all government agencies, especially law enforcement agencies, have joined forces in implementing security measures.
Lieutenant Colonel Roberto R. Mansueto, chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit of the Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO), said at least 238 law enforcers were deployed starting Wednesday, March 27, in commercial areas, transportation hubs and terminals, churches, national roads, and other places of convergence where pilgrims flock during Holy Week.
Mansueto disclosed this and other security measures at Tuesday afternoon’s press conference with the APPO, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Police assistance desks are in place to provide support for travelers. There are also beat and mobile security patrols, the distribution of information, education, and communication materials, installed signage, hotline numbers of the local police stations, and public awareness on crime prevention and road safety reminders.
DPHW-Antique, on its part, established Lakbay-Alalay Motorists Assistance Team Stations, while the forces of BFP-Antique intensified the campaign on fire prevention, especially at the household level, since it is expected that many people will be away for long to participate in the Visita Iglesia, procession, or pilgrimage.
PDRRMO is on blue alert status with all personnel on standby in cases of emergency with roving teams, while PCG-Antique Station has set up help desks in passenger ports and is closely monitoring beaches and resorts in case of a drowning incident.
Here, the APPO appeals to the public to be extra careful when traveling to avoid accidents, protect themselves from the heat, and make sure that there are no plugged appliances or unextinguished fires at home to avoid residential fires./PN
