Police Regional Office III Regional Public Information Officer PMaj. Aileen Rose Stanger (left) said that the Central Luzon police force is on high alert status for the upcoming Holy Week and 2022 National and Local Elections. (Jag Lyra D. Costamero/PIA 3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Central Luzon police is on high alert status for the upcoming Holy Week and 2022 National and Local Elections.
Police Regional Public Information Officer PMaj. Aileen Rose Stanger shared they already implemented the IMPLAN Ligtas Summer Vacation (SUMVAC) where they are undertaking appropriate interventions and measures to ensure the maintenance of peace and order and the delivery of public services due to the numerous events during the period.
“We want to let the public know that the police force is always on standby to ensure your safety and security this summer vacation. We are urging every one of you to continue trusting us as we perform our duty of maintaining peace, order, and development in the region,” she said.
The SUMVAC begins on March 23 and ends on June 13 where activities observed during that period include the Lenten Season, Philippine Veterans Week, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Flores De Mayo, National Flag Day, Elections; and other activities such as family gatherings, trips to the provinces, religious rites, town fiestas, and other significant events.
For the Holy Week, the police reiterated that Lenten activities are cancelled anew including self-flagellation of penitents, and wrapping on the cross to ensure public safety and compliance to the minimum public health standards against COVID-19 as the whole region is still under Alert Level 1 until April 15.
“We encourage the public to stay in their homes for their safety; and attend masses, and other religious services for their observance of the Holy Week,” Stanger stated.
For the upcoming elections, the police will be deploying personnel in the polling precincts one week before, and one week after the May 9 polls which is from May 2 until May 16 to ensure the reinforcement of an orderly, fair, and peaceful elections.
“Since last year, we have already been having meetings to lay out the security programs for the upcoming elections. We are continuously doing meetings and conferences and simulation exercises to ensure that we will have a safe election,” she emphasized.
In light of the said events, the police is conducting round-the-clock checkpoints as criminals, especially burglars, pickpockets, thieves, robbers, and other threat groups usually take advantage of these situations by engaging in unlawful activities.
“I would also like to thank the public for their understanding if they are experiencing delays in their travel because these checkpoints are important in maintaining peace and order in our communities, and ensure the people’s safety in their travel… We are also asking everyone’s support for us to continuously do our duties and responsibilities for the protection of the people and the orderliness of the community,” Stanger underscored.
The officer added that they are also on guard as the movement of people during this period can cause traffic congestion and vehicular accidents along major thoroughfares, business and commercial centers, and recreational areas. (MJSC/JLDC-PIA 3)
