DILG urged LGUs to ensure safety of its constituents

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urges all local chief executives to ensure peaceful commemoration of the Holy Week.

DILG officer-in-charge Catalino S. Cuy said that local government units (LGUs) should work closely with the traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, law enforcers, and public safety officers to ensure the safe observance of the Holy Week.

"People usually flock to churches and other religious destinations during the Holy Week but there are also those who would like to relax and enjoy the long weekend,” Cuy said in a statement, adding, “whatever their choice may be, let us ensure that crowded places and other places of interests remain crime-free, safe, and clean.”

Cuy also emphasized that medical assistance booths should be set up to assist people.

He also said that segregated trash bins should be placed in strategic locations to keep the public places litter-free and clean.

Cuy advised the Philippine National Police to deploy personnel to ensure police visibility to prevent the crimes.

"Be on guard for pickpockets who easily prey on unsuspecting victims amid the huge crowd. Be alert also for those akyat-bahay criminals who barge into empty houses and rob whatever worthy materials they could find," he added.

He also called on the public to make sure that electrical appliances are unplugged and gas tanks are turned off before leaving their homes or heading to their vacation destinations.

Cuy also assured the public that the Bureau of Fire Protection is ready to respond to fire incidents and other accidents that may happen during the Holy Week.

"Let us maintain the solemnity of the Holy Week and reflect on the sufferings of Jesus for all humanity. At the same time, let us ensure that the long holiday break this Lenten season will be crime-free, safe, and stress-free,” Cuy's statement further reads. —/JBB (FREEMAN)