CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte — The Philippine National Police (PNP) here said Holy Week in Eastern Visayas was peaceful and no trouble was reported throughout the region.

Eastern Visayas Police Regional Director, Police Chief Supt. Arnold Revilla attributed the maintenance of peace and order during the Holy Week in Region 8 to the efforts and strategies implemented by his office during the period.

Revilla told reporters in a media interview here that the PNP in the region had reactivated Task Force Semana Santa which secured cities and municipalities with the setting up of police assistance centers as well as checkpoints in strategic areas around the region. The main aim of these measures was to ensure the safety and security of travelers traveling around the region during Holy Week.

The regional police official said Task Force Semana Santa had consisted of several teams from various provincial headquarters which were tasked to maintain peace and order. He also said that his office had coordinated with local government units, government agencies, the private sector and other concerned groups in implementing aforesaid security measures.

At least 5,000 policemen were deployed all over the region and such police force was augmented by barangay tanods and other volunteers belonging to non-government organization stationed in police assistance centers extending assistance to the general public, travelers and motorists.

Revilla also disclosed that the police teams of his policemen were likewise designated in the various ports and transport terminals in Eastern Visayas beginning last Palm Sunday to maintain peace order amongst travelers going in and out of the region.

“Our police forces assigned all through the region were the ones who monitored and gave us regular reports about the situation that prevailed in Eastern Visayas, particularly in perceived rebel-infested areas,” Revilla said. “Fortunately, we were able to ensure and maintain peace and order during the entire Holy Week period.”