Taguig gears up security for Holy Week

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano has directed the local police force under Chief of Taguig City Police Senior Supt. Allen Ocden to keep an eye out for criminal groups that may attempt to disrupt peace and order during the observance of Holy Week. (Photo: Katrina Javier/Flickr)

MANILA—Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano has directed the local police force under Chief of Taguig City Police Senior Supt. Allen Ocden to keep an eye out for criminal groups that may attempt to disrupt peace and order during the observance of Holy Week.

Cayetano ordered to beef up security against crimes and other untoward incidents in several areas all over the city in time for the commemoration of the Holy Week.

“Holy Week is a time of reflection for everyone. It does not matter which denomination of faith you belong to. Maintaining peace and order during this time of solemnity is of utter importance in Taguig, which is a multicultural and highly diverse city,” the lady mayor said.

“Unfortunately, criminals do not take holidays, even on Holy Week. It is for this reason that I’ve instructed the Taguig City Police to enforce measures that would pre-empt unscrupulous groups from having their way in Taguig,” she added.

Ocden, upon instruction of Mayor Lani Cayetano, has readied his force for the annual religious retreat to keep the city safe and secured as city residents observe these holy days.

Ocden assured that although there is no information on threats that may disrupt the peaceful observance of Holy Week in the city, the 680-strong Taguig City Police will be ready and visible, especially in public areas such as churches and bus terminals.

“There is no report of threats, but we will not be caught off-guard,” Ocden said.

According to the Taguig Police, starting Palm Sunday until Easter Sunday, hundreds of police officers will be deployed across the city to secure churches and other public areas as well as the city’s 28 barangays.

Ocden also reminded Taguigeños who will be travelling to the provinces for the observance of Holy Week to be security conscious.

“Let us all be vigilant. To those who will be leaving their houses for the provinces, make sure all the doors and windows of their houses are locked. They should also entrust their houses to their neighbors,” he said.

Ocden said residents who live inside gated subdivisions in the city should also inform their security guards that they would be leaving so that the proper security measures are taken, especially against burglars.

He also ordered commanders of the various police community precincts (PCPs) to make sure police presence is felt by the public during the observance of Holy Week.

The Taguig Police in coordination with the local city government will also set-up Public Assistance Centers (PACs), as well as “Lakbay Alalay” Motorist Assistance Centers for fast response in cases of vehicular accidents.

“We will even be conducting house visits during this Semana Santa just to make sure that our communities are safe,” he said.

Taguig City has a population of 720,000 people. It is home to Bonifacio Global City (BGC)—Metro Manila’s premiere business hub that also hosts high-end residences, shopping malls, various embassies, a world-class hospital as well as a state-of-the-art science museum.