PNP intensifies security measures for Holy Week

Police forces nationwide have been ordered to intensify security initiatives in preparation for the upcoming Holy Week, when thousands are expected to troop to the provinces for the expected long weekend. Director General Raul Bacalzo, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said he specifically instructed police units to intensify existing checkpoints and enforce anew the PNP’s "Oplan Sita" and "Oplan Bakal" campaigns, and the Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO). "Kailangan makita uli natin yung ating mga kapulisan sa kalsada lalo na yung ating MASCO (We need to see our police on the streets, especially the MASCO)," Bacalzo told reporters in an interview Monday. He said they recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Practical Shooting Association and the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators to enlist the help of security guards in terms of police visibility.

"Sila ang ating (They will be our) force multipliers," he said. Bacalzo said he also instructed police regional directors, particularly the National Capital Region Police Office, to ask mall owners to allow uniformed personnel to guard shops and terminals. "So I expect inspections again of bus terminals, the airports and the train terminal by our directors of the field," he said. He noted, however, that the alert level in all areas remains normal as of the moment. - Kimberly Jane Tan/KBK, GMA News