Around 20,000 security officers will secure devotees and tourists in Western Visayas during the Holy Week, according to Police Regional Office in Western Visayas Acting Regional Director Brigadier General Jack Wanky during a press conference yesterday, March 18, 2024. He said they will be deployed in convergence areas like churches, pilgrim sites and popular tourist spots. (PNA photo)The Police Regional Office-6 (Western Visayas) will deploy around 20,000 security officers, including force multipliers, to ensure a safe and peaceful Lenten season through “Oplan Semana Santa (Holy Week).”

“Since it’s a long vacation, we are also expecting an influx of tourists in our destinations. We have already briefed our personnel,” Wanky said.

Colonel Gilbert Gorero, PRO-6 Regional Operations and Management Division chief, said in the same briefing that all concerned government agencies, like the Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices, are aiming for zero major incidents.

“We have to secure our devotees. This is the opportune time for those coming from other countries and outside of Iloilo to come home,” he said.

Gorero said security preparations are also in place in areas where there will be “taltal” or the observance of the Passion of Christ and the Visita Iglesia (church visits). (PNA)