Military vows extra vigilance this Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines -  The military yesterday vowed to be extra vigilant to ensure public safety during the Holy Week.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) information chief Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said field units would be deployed to boost intelligence operations against lawless elements to ensure that the Holy Week would be peaceful.

“We will be extra vigilant to be sure that there would be no problems and everything would be peaceful this coming (Lenten) season,” Burgos said.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. said it would be business as usual for soldiers even as the military’s alert level has not been raised.

“It depends on the commander if they will be allowed to go on Holy Week break… if they would give passes or leaves, depending on the situation as deemed appropriate by the commanders,” Mabanta said.

Mabanta said the AFP has not detected any immediate threat posed by armed rebels and terrorist groups. He gave assurance that the military would not be complacent during the long weekend.

Holy Week started yesterday with Palm Sunday and will end at dawn of Easter Sunday.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been placed on full alert starting April 13 as it prepares for the exodus of thousands of people going to the provinces.

Full alert means all policemen would not be allowed to go on day-off or avail of vacation leaves to ensure the availability of enough number of personnel.

The military, however, did not raise its alert status as soldiers would only provide support to their police counterparts.

Around 5,000 policemen have been deployed around Metro Manila to secure public places. A total of 350 bus marshals and Motorized Anti-Crime Operatives were also tasked to monitor seaports, airports, churches, and bus terminals.

Around 500 soldiers were deployed in Metro Manila to augment the police.

AFP National Capital Region Command chief Brig. Gen. Tristan Kison said the soldiers will man checkpoints and secure vital installations like bus terminals, airports, and Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit stations.