ROUND-the-clock security will be implemented to ensure safety during the observance of the Holy Week, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula assured Tuesday.
Mayor Jaraula said City Hall has already arranged security plans for the Lent about two weeks ago, which include the creation of a rapid response team and security augmentation at bus terminals and ports.
Around 300 police officers will be deployed around the city to secure public places such as churches, where people are expected to converge, the mayor said.
Another 130 will be stationed at the Malasag Hill in Barangay Cugman, the rendezvous for the Catholic faithful joining the arduous Way of the Cross climb.
Jaraula said stringent checkup at bus terminals and ports will begin today, in time for the exodus of people leaving the city to observe Lent in their hometowns.
On Easter Sunday, the mayor said the 700-strong Cagayan de Oro City Police officers will secure all the churches “to ensure maximum security.”
“We should not allow criminals to take advantage of Holy Week’s serene mood. Nobody should be allowed to distract the spirit of the Lent,” the mayor said.
Jaraula said medical teams will be on standby to assist the faithful.
He also reminded the public on the liquor ban in religious sites such as Malasag to “prevent riot and preserve peace and order.”
Technicians, he said, are working overtime to provide 24-hour power for City Hall during and after Holy Week.