The Zamboanga City Police Office would deploy more than 100 policemen at Mount Abong-Abong in Pasonanca Village where thousands of residents flock for the Station of the Cross starting Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday.
Col. Kimberly Molitas, Zamboanga City police chief, said the policemen would be supported by drones and 37 closed circuit television (CCTV) placed around the route of the Station of the Cross.
She said residents can also stay overnight at the camp site of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines at the Climaco Freedom Park.
In Caraga Region, more than 1,754 policemen have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents during the Holy Week.
“These police personnel would be deployed in strategic areas in different provinces and cities starting on Holy Wednesday,” said Brig. Gen. General Kirby John Kraft, Police Region 13 director.
Kraft said more policemen would be deployed in bus terminals and sea ports, especially those that cater to tourists in Surigao City and Siargao Island.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office would strictly inspect documents and road worthiness of all public conveyance vehicles in Trento, Agusan del Sur.
Authorities in Camiguin island province are expecting a surge in tourist arrivals during the Holy Week as Catholics would come for the Panaad (pledge), either to ascend Mt. Old Vulcan through the Camiguin Walkway or walk the 64-kilometer road around the island. Last year, 19,000 visitors came for the Holy Week.
Gov. Xavier Jesus Romualdo said the entire machinery of the provincial government is prepared to meet the needs and demands of the tourists who will start to trickle in on Holy Wednesday.
Aside from the Panaad, tourists are expected to see the famous White Island, Sunken Cemetery, Mantigue Island, and a few waterfalls during the Holy Week. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)