By JEN BAYLON

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) reported a generally peaceful Holy Week observance across the province, despite recording isolated incidents deemed unrelated to religious activities.

“The overall observance remained orderly, particularly in areas hosting church activities,” NOCPPO spokesperson, Police Captain Judesses Catalogo said.

The NOCPPO and the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region conducted inspections at key transit hubs, including bus terminals, ports, and airports, to ensure public safety during Holy Week.

The police also intensified visibility patrols and disseminated safety advisories to prevent accidents during the mass return of travelers after the holiday.

The operations aligned with nationwide Oplan Semana Santa 2025 protocols, which included coordinated efforts among local government units, the Philippine Coast Guard, and emergency response teams to monitor high-risk areas and ensure rapid incident response.

Authorities emphasized continued vigilance as post-Holy Week travel peaked, urging the public to adhere to safety guidelines to avoid untoward incidents./JB, WDJ