THE Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) is deploying personnel not only to large churches in Davao City but also to those in remote areas for the upcoming Holy Week.
PSSO head Angel Sumagaysay said security teams will be stationed in churches across the city, including far-flung areas like Calinan and Marilog.
He also confirmed that the PSSO received a request from the Archbishop of Davao Romulo Valles, and will hold a security meeting on April 7. Members of the archdiocese and the security cluster will finalize preparations to ensure safety during Holy Week observances.
"Tabangan lang kami sa security cluster nga mapadayun natu, ma sustain natu ang peace and order sa Davaao City mao rana among ginahangyu (Please help us in the security cluster so we can continue and sustain peace and order in Davao City), "Sumagaysay said in a radio interview on Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) on April 1.
He said that while the PSSO is doing its best, maintaining peace and order requires public cooperation.
Regarding road closures, Sumagaysay said decisions would be left to priests, who can request closures in front of churches during Holy Week celebrations. These requests will then be forwarded to the City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) and the City Council for approval.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared April 17 (Maundy Thursday), April 18 (Good Friday), and April 19 (Black Saturday) as special non-working holidays under Proclamation No. 727.
"The observance of Holy Week is one of the most cherished traditions of our predominantly Catholic people," Marcos stated. RGP