CITY OF SAN FERNANDO The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday disclosed that some 78,000 officers will be on duty across the country during the summer season

The heightened police alert will also cover the upcoming observance of Holy Week for Catholics from April 2 to 9 and the entire holy month of Ramadan for Muslims which started on March 23 and will end on April 20, 2023.

PNP chief GeneralnRodolfo Azurin, Jr. said a total of 38,387 officers from police regional and provincial offices will be deployed via mobile and foot patrols.

Additional 39,504 cops will be assigned in specific areas of convergence such as major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, terminals, commercial areas, and places of worship to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters, as well as the security of citizens and tourists during the summer months.

Azurin said the PNP Headquarters has issued operational guidelines for police regional and provincial offices.

The Police units are directed to implement their respective law enforcement and public safety plan for the 60-day summer holiday season.

This is under Operation Summer Vacation (SumVac) covering various observances and celebrations including Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Flores De Mayo, Philippine Veterans Week and fiestas.

The police force, he added, will be supported by groups from local government units and security personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Special Action Force, Regional Highway Patrol Unit, Regional Maritime Unit and Aviation Security Group.

Aside from these, the PNP chief said he has ordered police units to assist the public and promptly address specific complaints through the establishment of Assistance Hubs (AHs) and Police Assistance Desks (PADs).

“We are expecting a large number of travelers during this entire period, and we want to make sure that they will have a safe and enjoyable experience. We call on the public to cooperate with us and follow the rules and regulations set by the government to deter the occurrence of crime, prevent accidents and avoid unnecessary inconvenience,” Azurin said.