74,114 cops deployed for Holy Week, Ramadan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy over 74,000 personnel nationwide to secure the simultaneous Holy Week and Ramadan rites.

In a statement yesterday, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said 74,114 police officers will secure the simultaneous Christian and Muslim rites in the country.

While the Catholic faithful started Holy Week with Palm Sunday yesterday and will end it on Easter Sunday, April 9, the Muslim community’s Ramadan started on March 23 and will end with the tentative date of Eid al-Fitr on April 21.

“The deployment of our police officers is aimed to provide maximum security coverage to the public who will take part in the various religious activities,” Azurin said.

“As the country continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage everyone to observe safety protocols and cooperate with our law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and safe Holy Week for all,” he added.

The police will respect the rights of the members of all religious backgrounds, Azurin said.

“The PNP is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the rights of all individuals, regardless of their religion or background, are protected and respected,” he noted.

After Holy Week, police will continue to secure major thoroughfares and areas of public gatherings for the summer season and Flores de Mayo next month, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said in a dzRH interview yesterday.

“There will be fiestas after the Holy Week, so we will remain all hands on deck,” Fajardo said in Filipino.