The Northern Police District (NPD) has beefed up its security and public safety operations in bus stations and other places of convergence to ensure the safety of travelers and motorists going to the provinces in observance of the Lenten Season.

In his directive to all chiefs of police in his jurisdiction, Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., NPD director, also directed police operatives to reactivate emergency police hotlines and implement public safety services in anticipation of the upsurge of commuters, motorists and travelers to prevent congestions, accidents, robbery and other street crimes especially at routes leading to churches and other pilgrim destinations.

Apprehensive that criminal elements may take this as an opportune time for illegal activities, Pagdilao ordered his commanders to double the number of checkpoints in respective areas.

The NPD chief ordered his commanders to maximize the deployment of mobile and motorcycle units and uniformed personnel on foot patrol duties.

Some 100 policemen from the District Public Safety Management Battalion were mobilized under Police Inspector Nelvin Ricohermoso to secure all terminals, train stations, and malls during the “Semana Santa.”

Pagdilao said that police mobile cars will be put on standby while foot patrols will complement security operations.

In his directive, he emphasized that protection and assistance must be extended to motorists and commuters who will be visiting several churches and pilgrim destinations in Camanava area and to those who are leaving for the provinces.

“Considering that the Lenten Week is being observed yearly, I am directing all my commanders and operational support units to review and update at this moment 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,” Pagdilao said.