By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – After their meeting on Tuesday, the inter-agency committee overseeing security forces pledged to uphold a peaceful observance of the Holy Week in Antique province, as they finalized their security plan from March 27 to 31.
Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) Director Lea Rose Peña emphasized, “All chiefs of police will prioritize maintaining peace and order throughout the province during the Holy Week.
She urged the public to abide by the law and advised motorists to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent road accidents.
APPO chief of the Operations Management Unit, Lt. Col. Robert Mansueto, said police assistance desks are in areas with high public convergence, such as terminals and churches in the 18 towns.
The Philippine Army will also deploy troops in the upland areas of Antique, like Aningalan in San Remigio, expected to draw tourists during the Holy Week.
The Philippine Coast Guard will closely monitor the beach areas as a preventive measure including against drowning.
Antique Coast Guard Station Commander, Lt. Val Ernie Daitao, during the meeting, reported of no passenger buildup or strandees in the port of Culasi, where motorboats transport visitors to Mararison Island, a popular tourist destination.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) urged the public to be fire safety conscious, considering the 64 fire incidents that occurred from January to March due to the drought.
“Make sure that you have turned off your electrical connections and don’t leave your cooking appliance unattended when you go out of your homes as a preventive measure,” BFP Senior Fire Office 1 Roderick Oliveros said.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will deploy five motorist assistance teams to help motorists.
The Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will deploy roving vehicles and quick response teams in case of emergency assistance. (PNA)
