COTABATO CITY -- Police authorities here foresee a peaceful and solemn observance of the Catholic Church’s Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Senior Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director, said no major untoward incident has so far transpired in the city since Palm Sunday (March 25) to date.
Octavio told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that sufficient police personnel, backed by the Philippine Army and force multipliers have been securing populated areas like churches, shrines, public markets, bus and jeepney terminals, including seaports and malls here.
People have been cooperating with the law enforcers to ensure the solemn and quiet observance of the Holy Week.
Bus companies have continued to ply routes coming to and from Cotabato City. There is also no stoppage for passenger vans plying Cotabato City-Davao City route.
The Mindanao Star, the lone bus firm serving Cotabato-Davao route, has announced it will continue serving passengers even on Good Friday (March 30).
“That is an order from the management so we have regular trips on Friday,” said Edwin Bacalso, the bus firm’s terminal manager.
On the other hand, the Husky Bus Company that serve the Cotabato City-Gen. Santos City route, said bus units and drivers will have a one-day break on Good Friday.
“Our drivers and conductors need spiritual nourishment so Good Friday is the day for them to at least pray,” Ildefonso Sablay, Husky terminal-in-charge, said., adding that their bus trips would resume on Saturday.
Octavio said village officials are closely working with the police to ensure communities are free from violence. He advised churchgoers to ensure homes are properly locked to avoid being burglarized.
“At least leave someone at home or ask neighbors to watch over your homes while away,” Octavio said. (PNA)
