Philippines: ‘No specific threat’ during Holy Week but security measures in place

Malacañang said on Saturday, March 24, that all the necessary security measures are in place to ensure a peaceful and solemn observance of Holy Week. “There is no specific threat monitored for the Holy Week but the AFP will not put its guard down. We will continue to conduct appropriate security measures where needed to safeguard vulnerable communities,” the AFP said in a statement on the eve of Palm Sunday, which ushers in Holy Week. The military urged the public to be on full alert during the holidays to be able to “detect, deter, and frustrate any more by criminals and terrorists.” As of noontime Saturday, March 24, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored a total of 82,161 outbound passengers the country’s ports, harbors and piers and it activated its Passengers Assistance Centers (PAC) on Friday in preparation for the nationwide in observance of Holy Week. In a press briefing on Thursday, March 22, PCG chief Rear Admiral Elson Hermogino said pre-departure inspections to ensure safety and security of commuters traveling during the Holy Week will be done while Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) personnel will board ships for the inspection of passengers.