The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will mobilize 3,000 policemen and additional force multipliers to keep peace all over Metro Manila during the

observance of “Semana Santa” (Holy Week).

All Metro police units have been under heightened alert since Monday after NCRPO Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil came out with an order to all Metro

Manila police directors, chiefs of police and their operational support unit commanders to beef up their security operations and public safety plan to ensure a

secure, safe and orderly observance of the holidays.

The 3,000 policemen who will be deployed all over Metro Manila will be divided into three shifts to ensure the safety of the public.

Bataoil said since April 6 has been declared a holiday by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, they expect the exodus of vacationers to the province to begin early.

The NCRPO chief emphasized in his directive that protection and assistance must be extended to motorists and commuters who will be visiting churches and

other places of worship in Metro Manila and those who are leaving for the provinces to spend their Holy Week.

Bataoil also directed district directors in Metro Manila to reactivate their respective task groups and implement public safety services to provide

assistance to the public in anticipation of the upsurge of commuters, motorists, and travelers in order to prevent congestion, accidents, robbery, and other street

crimes especially along routes leading to churches and cemeteries and other places of convergence in Metro Manila.

Bataoil ordered the deployment of policemen outside malls and banks in Metro Manila to keep watch on all automated teller machines (ATMs) after the police

received intelligence reports that some criminal syndicates are planning to target such facilities.

“Considering that the Lenten Season is being observed yearly, I have ordered my district directors and the operational support units of the NCRPO to review

and update the security and traffic plans based on our experiences, undertake the necessary preparations and coordination and encourage active involvement of

concerned government agencies and non-government organizations,” said Bataoil.

Police commanders were also directed to carry out necessary provisions for emergency and medical response in coordination with other agencies to ensure

maximum efficiency in delivering public service.

He gave the assurance, however, that the NCRPO is coordinating with the National Capital Region Command (NCRCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to stop criminal activities.

He called on the public that in case of emergency, they should report the matter immediately to the nearest police station or police community precinct for immediate police response.