By Chito Chavez Local authorities asked Quezon City residents to be on guard against lawless elements to ensure their safety during the long Holy Week break. Councilors Allan Reyes and Victor Ferrer Jr. stressed the coordination between the police and the city government will be essential as unscrupulous groups may prey on the hapless victims in committing all forms of criminal acts. They noted there should be no let-up in fighting criminality even during the long Holy Week vacation citing that criminals will surely take advantage of the long break where millions are expected to troop to the provinces or places of worship in the country. Despite the decreasing trend of petty crimes as a result of the national government’s all-out campaign against illegal drugs and all forms of criminality, Reyes said the police and the LGUs should leave no stones unturned in ensuring the peaceful commemoration and safety of the public during the Holy Week celebration. He asked city officials to put additional skeletal forces in their offices that will work closely with the concerned local traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, law enforcers, or public safety officers in places of public convergence such as churches, transport terminals, plazas, and malls to ensure the safe observance of this yearly commemoration. “Traditionally the Christian faithful 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. Whatever they go let us ensure that crowded places and other places of interests remain crime-free, safe, and clean,” Reyes said. Ferrer, who asked the concerned local officials to forego their vacation, emphasized the need to set-up medical assistance booths to assist people who might faint or get dizzy amid the excruciating heat. He added that segregated trash bins should be placed in strategic locations to keep the public places litter-free and clean. Ferrer also requested the Philippine National Police (PNP) to deploy their staff and ensure police visibility, checkpoints, and mobile patrols to prevent the occurrence of crimes and other threats to public order and safety. “Beware of pickpockets. Be alert also for those akyat-bahay criminals who barge into empty houses and rob whatever worthy materials they could find,” Ferrer said. He also called the public to make sure that all electrical appliances are unplugged and gas tanks are turned off before leaving their homes or heading off to their vacation destinations. “Let us help each other ensure the solemnity of the Holy Week and reflect on the sufferings of Jesus for all humanity. Let us help one another make the long holiday break safe, and stress-free,” he concluded.