THE Philippine Army, Philippine National Police(PNP), and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are raising security alert for the coming Holy Week.
Colonel Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Brigade of the Philippine Army, said that while civilians are on vacation during the Holy Week, the military will be around to ensure peace and security for everybody.
"We will be on alert against the possible atrocities of the rebels or any other lawless elements," Aying said.
Assistance desks will be set up in strategic areas to assist travelers across the province.
Policemen will also be deployed, especially in seaports and airports, markets and other tourist destinations.
Aying also asked the public to make sure that they secure everything in their houses when the family goes on vacation, because that's the time when lawless elements stage criminal activities especially the burglars.
The LTO will also set up assistance desks in some transport terminals.
LTO Bacolod chief Renato Novero said he will deploy cops in some terminals, including officers from the Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the police.
He said they will assist motorists in addressing vehicle troubles during travel.
He said personnel from the LTFRB will check if buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) follow the right route.
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have tightened their watch on all ports in Western Visayas with the influx of foreign and domestic tourists during the Holy Week vacation.
Marina is setting up help desks from April 9 to 20 following the activation of the Department of Transportation and Communication’s Oplan Ligtas Biyahe Kwaresma 2014 in all ports in Western Visayas, including Caticlan Jetty Port, the gateway to Boracay Island.
Ports in Ortiz, Muelle Loney and Parola in Iloilo City; Dumangas, Iloilo; and Bredco in Bacolod City will also have help desks.