DILG Urges Gov’t Officials to Secure the People

With the expected exodus of people to the provinces and other places of interest during Holy Week, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called on all local chief executives to convene their respective local peace and order councils to ensure the safety and security of the populace in churches, plazas, malls, and transport terminals.

In a directive to provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and punong barangays, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas urged the local executives to formulate proper courses of action in order to anticipate the expected heavy movement of people from different places, putting their safety as a top priority.

“Ang Semana Santa ay di lamang panahon ng pagninilay-nilay; simulat rin ito ng panahon ng pagbabakasyon para sa pamilyang Pilipino kaya dapat maghanda ang mga local governments para masiguro na magiging ligtas at payapa ang panahong ito,” Roxas said.

According to the DILG chief, local government officials should also deploy barangay tanods who can serve as force multipliers and assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in keeping peace and order in their own barangays, as well as in making sure that traffic is well-managed.

He also tasked them to conduct cleanup operations in all public recreation areas, religious locations, and transport terminals in their areas, and to mobilize all necessary resources for the collection and disposal of garbage.

At the same time, Roxas called on the PNP to continue to implement police visibility, mobile patrols and checkpoints to prevent crimes and other threats to peace and order.

He said the PNP should patrol crime-prone areas and be on guard for Akyat Bahay Gang members who are on the lookout for unattended houses, as well as pickpockets in places of public convergence.

“Laging nakahanda ang Bureau of Fire Protection para pigilan ang sunog at iba pang aksidente na maaaring mangyari sa Semana Santa,” he said.

Roxas advised the public to be more cautious and observe fire prevention measures like closing LPG valves, unplugging unused
electrical devices, and switching off the main source of power when leaving their houses.

“With only a few more days before Holy Week, we are undertaking all the necessary steps for a solemn observance of the Lenten Season and a stress-free holiday break,” he added.

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