THE Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will set up a total of 52 motorist assistance centers in the province of Pangasinan this coming Holy Week.

In a virtual forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency - Pangasinan on Tuesday, PPPO information officer Capt. Renan dela Cruz said a total of 456 personnel would be deployed throughout the holiday, including those who will man 48 assistance centers.

He said the assistance centers would help motorists and tourists in terms of directions or emergencies and provide police visibility, which is a deterrent to crime.

“There will be maximum deployment and constant mobile patrolling, especially in places of convergence, such as tourist destinations. We are expecting an influx of tourists since this is the first Holy Week without the restrictions,” he said.

Dela Cruz added that aside from the police personnel, there will also be force multipliers.

“Some 592 force multipliers have registered and we are expecting more,” he said.

He added the force multipliers would aid the police in ensuring peace and order during the holidays.

“We are just asking the public to make sure they have locked their houses and to always secure their belongings whenever they go out on a trip. Also, to make sure their vehicles are in good condition for the long trips,” dela Cruz said.

Meanwhile, Bernard Caronongan, district information officer of DPWH-Pangasinan, said the agency would set up four motorist assistance centers in strategic locations all over the province.

“To also give directions to motorists if need one or if in case they encounter a problem with their vehicles, we have mechanics with us, as well,” he added.

The DPWH’s assistance centers will be set up in San Jacinto town, Dagupan City-San Fabian town intersection, Bugallon town, and San Carlos City-Binmaley town intersection, he said.

The Holy Week this year is set for April 2 to 10. (PNA)