MALACAÑANG told government agencies Monday to ensure the safety of thousands of Filipinos scheduled to return to the provinces even as authorities already placed the country on high alert amid continued preparations for the Holy Week break.
“At the end of the day, the President wants results. Setting things in place, and ensuring proper and efficient functioning and coordination of the agencies are but the initial steps of the entire process. Ultimately, his satisfaction can only be measured by the extent that the public’s safety and convenience are facilitated and guaranteed by the government,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said.
“The government is now on heightened alert to ensure the safety and security of passengers at all airports, seaports, and other transportation hubs during the Holy Week,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Manila Police District reminded Manileños going on Holy Week vacation: “Do not post your travel itinerary and photos on Facebook and other social networking sites this Holy Week.”
MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel warned that posting of travel photos might encourage burglars to rob houses that they would think are unoccupied or unattended.
“Just a reminder, please avoid posting on Facebook, on social media, where and when you are going this Holy Week break,” Coronel said after meeting with Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada about the MPD’s “Oplan Sumvac” (summer vacation) security plan for Holy Week and summer vacation.
As ordered by Estrada, the MPD has activated its Oplan Sumvac operational plan starting with the deployment of 760 policemen to different churches in the city from April 9 (Palm Sunday) to April 16 (Easter Sunday).
This, even as Duterte, who left the country for a three-country swing to the Middle East, in his Lenten message called on Filipinos to follow the example of Jesus Christ.
“The Season of Lent is an occasion to reflect on the death of our Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary,” Duterte said.
Duterte noted that Christ’s life “is a testament to the power of selfless service and humility in the face of various trials.”
“Amidst uncertainties and difficulties, the way of the cross is our firm assurance that goodness and truth will always prevail,” he said.
He also wished that “the virtues of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen.
“Let the story of crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” he said.
Under the government’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2017, various agencies were assigned to ensure the smooth flow of passengers coming in and out of the metro for the holy week break.