Devotees flock to the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to celebrate Palm Sunday on April 13, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA — The Philippine National Police said Tuesday it has not monitored any security threat during the Philippines’ observance of the Lenten Season.

Despite this, the PNP said it remained on high alert during the Holy Week break, when millions of Filipinos were expected to travel to their home provinces and other religious or summer destinations.

“We have not received any threat for that matter for our security and safety this Lenten Season as of today but on the part of the PNP, we remain on full alert especially in historically vulnerable areas,” PNP Director for Community Relations MGen. Roderick Augustus Alba said.

“Our intelligence units are closely coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines kasama namin dito iyong Philippine Coast Guard to preempt any threats from any groups would want to magkaroon po ng disorder iyong ating bansa,” he said in a Palace briefing.

Tourism dept expects 30 million tourists during Holy Week

At least 65,000 PNP personnel were strategically deployed to secure passenger terminals, transport hubs, pilgrimage sites, churches, and tourist destinations all over the country, including vital installations such as power plants and communication infrastructure.

“We’re also closely coordinating with private security groups and local crisis management councils to ensure the safe and meaningful observance of the Holy Week,” Alba said.

The official called on the public to remain vigilant to avoid being victimized by crimes.

Passengers flock to bus terminals as Holy Week exodus starts

“So, kailangan po nating maging vigilant tayo – we save cellphone numbers sa ating mga cellphones; at bago tayo magbiyahe ay alam natin iyong mga hotline numbers kung saan po tayo pupunta; and of course atin pong ipagbilin sa ating mga kasamahang bahay or neighbors natin iyong ating pupuntahan; and make sure na properly guarded iyong ating bahay,” he said.

COAST GUARD PREPS 

The Philippine Coast Guard meanwhile said it deployed 17,000 personnel to check sea vessels in various ports and monitor the situation in resorts. This is on top of the deployment of Coast Guard Auxiliaries to man help desks in seaports to assist travelers.

“Ang atin pong mga barko ng Coast Guard ay nakaalerto din po na handang mag-respond in any maritime incident na report, kasama po niyan ang ating lateral coordination, na-mention po kanina ng ating kasamahan sa PNP sa LGU po natin, sa ating municipal and city disaster risk reduction management offices, kasama na rin po iyong ating mga coastal barangays,” PCG Deputy Spokesperson Commander Michael Encina said.

“So, malawak po ang gingawa ng PCG ngayon at paghahanda upang ma-ensure at matiyak po natin na ang mahal na araw ay magiging safe and secure sa ating mga bakasyunista at turista.”

HOSPITALS 

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said its hospitals were placed on Code White to ensure their preparedness for medical emergencies during the Holy Week break.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reiterated his call for the public to protect themselves against extreme heat, drowning incidents, and road accidents during the dry season.

Rains in northern Luzon, scorching heat in rest of PH this Holy Week: PAGASA

“So, very important, stay protected. So, sunscreen for those going out; hydration; and then, don’t stay too long in the sun, for those people,” Herbosa said.

“And, of course, every Holy Week, nagkakaroon kami ng mga problems of drowning and near drowning so very important din to watch your family especially in these places where you are vacationing and relaxing,” he said.

“Do not drink and drive; do not text and drive; and follow the rules of the road. Sana walang road rage kasi nga eh ano naman tayo ‘di ba, Holy Week, be patient and be kind to the other road users,” the official continued.