Iloilo City: Around 1,680 police officers will be deployed across Western Visayas to ensure the safety of pilgrims and tourists during the Holy Week, according to the Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6).

According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-6 spokesperson Lt. Col. Arnel Solis announced in an interview that the full deployment of officers would begin early morning on Holy Thursday. The focus will be on securing churches, religious sites, and activities such as processions on Thursday and Friday.

By Black Saturday, police efforts will concentrate on tourist destinations and recreational areas due to an anticipated increase in public movement. Officers will patrol highways and set up assistance desks at ports and terminals to provide help when needed.

Solis mentioned that more than 1,600 officers would be assigned to Panay and Guimaras for the Holy Week. Additional personnel will manage checkpoints, maintain police visibility, conduct foot patrols, and carry out other police operations.

The public is advised to keep a list of hotline numbers for local police units and government agencies in areas they plan to visit to facilitate easy communication if assistance is required. Solis also emphasized the importance of securing homes before leaving to prevent thefts or break-ins.

Checkpoint operations will continue throughout the Holy Week as part of preparations for the May 12 midterm elections. These measures aim to prevent unauthorized possession of firearms and ensure overall public safety during this busy period.