The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started implementing a nationwide security plan for the peaceful observance of Holy Week and the rest of the summer vacation season.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said he had already ordered all police commanders nationwide to conduct security assessment and dry run of security measures that would concentrate on safe and secure travel of motorists and commuters in air, sea, and land transportation.

Dubbed “Oplan Bantay-Lakbay,” Verzosa said the plan involves mandatory security checks at airports, seaports, and bus terminals to guard against criminal and terrorist elements that may take advantage of the holiday rush.

Among the security priorities, the official said, is the entire stretch of the Maharlika Highway from North to South Luzon, the Manila South Road from Manila to Bicol, the Manila East Road from Eastern Metro Manila to Northern Quezon, the Strong Republic Nautical Highway that passes through island provinces in Visayas and Mindanao, and other major thoroughfares.

“We will be setting up Police Assistance Centers in strategic locations along these national highways in areas. The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and Regional Police Offices will spearhead road safety operations in these areas,” said Verzosa,

It would be the Police Assistance Centers (PACs), he said, that will serve as quick-reaction points for police emergency and medical response, and advance command post for traffic management and road security operations. All PACs are linked with the Patrol 117 nationwide emergency telephone hotline, and the TXT PNP 2920 SMS hotline.