MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - More police and military forces will be deployed in Metro Manila during the coming Holy Week to prevent possible violent incidents, the military said today.
"The AFP, in support to the Philippine National Police (PNP), has been initiating proactive measures aimed at preventing any form of threats and violence which may hamper the observance of the Lenten Season," said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesman Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos.
Holy Week is the most important holiday in the Philippines, where majority of the population is devout Catholics. The festivities last more than a week, from before Palm Sunday to after Easter.
In Metro Manila, Burgos said, the AFP's Joint Task Force National Capital Region "has one battalion of soldiers on standby to augment and support police forces when needed."
Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima said the PNP is to deploy 5,000 policemen in crime-prone areas in the capital region during the Lenten Season.