PNP: Holy Week generally peaceful

MANILA, Philippines - The Holy Week observance nationwide was generally peaceful, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said yesterday.

He said there were isolated reports of petty crimes, accidents, and road emergencies in some parts of Luzon and the Visayas but the overall security situation was generally stable.

Verzosa said there was high police visibility and assistance was easily available in the Police Assistance Centers. He said the PACs will continue to assist motorists and travelers returning to the cities from the provinces.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the PNP is implementing public safety operation for the summer holidays called Oplan Bantay-Lakbay.

“Oplan Bantay-Lakbay remains in effect for the fiesta and Flores de Mayo season in May, and will extend until the opening of classes on the first week of June,” Espina said.

He said vehicular traffic is expected to be heavy until this morning as travelers return to Metro Manila.

Northern Police District director Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. said there had been no major crime incidents in the crime-prone area of CAMANAVA comprising the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela.

“Advance planning and collaborative effort of the NPD with its force multipliers and other civilian volunteer organization worked perfectly as the Lenten season went on generally peaceful and orderly,” Pagdilao said.

NPD implemented tight security operations in the CAMANVA area.

“It is significant to note that no high profile crime such as bank robbery and other bank related robbery incidents, cargo hijacking and similar crimes have occurred within the period of implementation of the NPD’s public safety and security operations for the Lenten season,” Pagdilao said.