Provincial

OVER 13,000 COPS DEPLOYED IN CENTRAL LUZON TO SECURE HOLY WEEK

admin March 30, 2026

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP CAPT. JULIAN OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has deployed more than 13,000 personnel across Central Luzon to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful observance of Holy Week from March 29 to April 5.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez said that the total deployment includes nearly 9,000 PRO3 police personnel, reinforced by over 1,000 augmentation forces, and supported by about 3,500 force multipliers and advocacy groups, highlighting a whole-of-community approach to security.

He said that starting March 30, PRO3 will be placed under full alert status, allowing for maximum police visibility, faster response times, and heightened operational readiness throughout the region.

Mendez said the increased deployment is meant to match the expected surge of travelers, pilgrims, and devotees during the Holy Week.

“From our initial 2,000 personnel, we scaled up to more than 13,000 to ensure our presence is felt where it matters most. As more people take to the roads, churches, and places of worship, we are strengthening our forces to ensure their safety,” he noted.

To maintain operational effectiveness, regional staff have been conducting inspections in key deployment areas to assess personnel readiness, visibility, and responsiveness.

Police presence has been intensified through additional foot and mobile patrols, while Police Assistance Desks and Centers (PADs/Cs) have been set up in churches, transport terminals, highways, and other major convergence areas.

Road safety marshals have also been deployed to manage traffic and assist motorists.

As early as Palm Sunday, PRO3 personnel were stationed in places of worship to secure religious activities and ensure their orderly conduct.

“Our goal is clear—every family should be able to observe Holy Week in peace and safety. We remain on standby and ready to respond to any situation,” Mendez added.

In line with the Philippine National Police’s focused agenda under PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PRO3 continues to promote responsive and community-oriented policing in partnership with the public, ensuring fast, honest, and felt public service across Central Luzon.