THE Duterte government has stepped up stringent security measures to ensure a safe and secure Holy Week vacation next week.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. ensured Friday, March 24, that the current administration is ready to avert potential terror threats, as the country observes Holy Week.
"You know, there is still a threat of terrorism. So, the government is on full alert for the coming Holy Week," Roque said in a radio interview.
The Philippine National Police has not monitored any specific terror threat ahead of the Holy Week, but police presence will be increased starting March 23 until June 13, as part of its summer security plan "Ligtas SumVac (summer vacation) 2018."
Heightened police visibility will be observed in places of worship, shopping centers, bus terminals, airports, seaports, and major thoroughfares to guard Filipinos against terror groups who might take advantage of the holiday rush.
Roque said President Rodrigo Duterte had also instructed the Philippine Coast Guard to ensure the seaworthiness of the vessels to keep passengers safe.
"The President ordered the Coast Guard to ensure the seaworthiness of vessels carrying passengers. It also has to make sure that there's no overcrowding, because it will lead to possible danger," he said.
The Palace official also hoped that there would be no repeat of a deadly road crash in Occidental Mindoro that claimed the lives of 19 people.
Duterte on Friday already ordered a national crackdown on all unregistered public utility vehicles, including the arrest of drivers and operators, following the tragic vehicular incident that involved bus company Dimple Star Transport.
"A reminder to all, an accident involving Dimple [Star Transport bus firm] should not happen again because we all know that every Holy Week, many of our fellow countrymen are returning homes through public transport," he said. (SunStar Philippines)