THE observance of Holy Week from April 14 to 21 was generally peaceful, although 56 persons were killed mostly in various accidents, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said on Monday, April 22.
Albayalde said 45 people, including children, drowned while eight died in vehicular accidents. Three others were killed in shooting incidents.
A total of 128 people were also recorded to have been injured due to several incidents during the long break.
“This serves as an eye opener, possibly for agencies and organizations involved in promoting personal safety to initiate programs to develop basic drown-proofing and swimming skills as part of physical education curriculum in schools. The recent Holy Week experience also bolsters the need to further enhance road safety awareness and continuous review of road engineering features and design to minimize accidents,” said Albayalde.
The PNP chief said no serious untoward incident that required a national emergency was recorded nationwide.
He said the PNP will continue to strengthen its security measures amid the summer vacation and the midterm elections in May.
Albayalde said 24,779 PNP personnel will remain deployed in 4,732 police assistance desk situated in strategic locations along main thoroughfares and travel routes, and in vital installations and mass transportation terminals to assist travelers returning to the urban centers from the Holy Week holiday.
The PNP urged the public to remain vigilant in order for them to fully enjoy their summer vacation. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)