DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental reported on Monday that the observance of Holy Week in the province, which culminated on Easter Sunday, was generally peaceful.
PNP provincial director Sr. Supt. Edwin Portento said aside from a fire alarm in Bayawan City in the south, and a road accident in a northern town, there was no major crime incident reported throughout the whole of last week.
He attributed the generally peaceful observance of the Holy Week this year to the preparations of PNP and other law enforcement authorities, as well as other government agencies, the local government units, barangay officials and other volunteer groups.
“Without them, lahat ng programs ng PNP, nahihirapan kami pag implement (all PNP programs are difficult to implement),” said Portento, as he also thanked the public for their cooperation.
He pointed out this is a classic example of people working together for the common good and thankfully, no serious threat to the local peace and order happened at the height of the religious observance.
The PNP in Negros Oriental went on full alert starting March 25 or Palm Sunday in anticipation of the influx of tourists for the Holy Week and onwards during the summer.
Oplan SumVac (Summer Vacation) reeled off that day as well, in time for other activities during the summer months, to include the Holy Week, sporting events, the Mayflower Festival and the upcoming synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in May.
Portento said they are now getting ready to implement another operation plan in time for the elections, with Commission on Elections (Comelec)-led activities such as the gun ban beginning in mid-April. (PNA)
