Around 1,680 police officers will be deployed across Western Visayas to ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists during the Holy Week, according to the Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6).

“Our full deployment will start early morning of Holy Thursday. We will prioritize our churches, religious sites, and also religious activities like the procession on Thursday [April 17], and Friday [April 18],” PRO-6 spokesperson Lt. Colonel Arnel Solis said in an interview yesterday.

By Black Saturday, April 19, security efforts will shift toward tourist destinations and recreational areas due to the expected increase in public movement, he said.

Officers will be stationed along highways for patrols and will put up assistance desks at ports and terminals.

Solis said more than 1,600 officers will be solely for Panay and Guimaras for the Holy Week.

There are others for checkpoints, police visibility, foot patrol, and other police operations.

He also reminded the public to always keep on their list the hotline numbers of local police units and government agencies in areas they intend to visit so they can easily communicate when they need assistance.

Homes must also be secured before leaving to prevent theft or break-ins.

Checkpoint operations will continue throughout the Holy Week as part of preparations for the May 12 midterm elections.

“This is part of our efforts to prevent unauthorized possession of firearms,” he said. (PNA)