OVER 3,000 police personnel were deployed across Eastern Visayas to secure the Holy Week observance and the upcoming summer vacation.
“With over 3,000 personnel deployed, we are ready to manage crowds, prevent incidents, and ensure public safety across the region through coordinated and strategic operations,” said Brigadier General Jason Capoy, regional director, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The police officers, along with augmented units from various law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups, will be assigned to places of worship, major thoroughfares, transportation hubs, terminals, commercial areas, and other places of convergence.
From April to May, the region is expected to draw large crowds as families, tourists, and travelers take advantage of the holiday period to visit destinations, participate in local festivities, and engage in leisure activities, resulting in increased movement of people across the region.
In a statement to the media, Capoy said the initiative aligns with the directive of the Chief, Philippine National Police, General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., to enhance police operations through strategic planning, strengthened coordination, and effective use of personnel and resources to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order.
“Police Regional Office 8 remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in Eastern Visayas during the summer season,” he added.
Meanwhile, the police regional command said augmentation units include personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and other uniformed services. Non-government volunteers include Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), local government unit (LGU) traffic enforcers, security guards, the Red Cross, Rotary Club, fraternities and sororities, and radio communication groups. (Ronald Reyes/SunStar Philippines)