La Union police, emergency personnel gear up for Holy Week

April 21, 2019 Provincial

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Police authorities and emergency personnel in La Union are now geared up for the Holy Week this year starting on Palm Sunday, April 14 and ending on Black Saturday, April 20.
The La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO) and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) shall be on full alert for the expected influx of tourists and pilgrims to the province during the Holy Week.
La Union is known to be a popular Holy Week destination for its historic churches and pilgrimage sites. Tourists also flock the province’s beaches and other attractions during this holiday.
LUPPO Information Officer Silverio Ordinado said the police office has prepared its implementing plan to ensure public safety and security.
Since March 15 until June 2019, the LUPPO has implemented its Ligtas SUMVAC (Summer Vacation) 2019, where it shall execute aggressive police operations and deploy maximum number of police personnel in convergence areas in the province.
These areas are churches, shopping malls, bus terminals, beach sites, and other areas heavily visited by the public during the holidays.
The LUPPO has also mobilized police forces in the barangay, along with the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, to ensure public safety even in the remote barangays where some tourist attractions are located.
For motorists plying the province’s highways, the LUPPO has also put up its Highway Public Assistance Desks (HIPADs) in key points across the province.
The HIPADs are manned by two police officers and operate 24 hours.Meanwhile, the PDRRMO shall be on red alert status by April 14 until the end of the Holy Week.
PDRRMO III Alvin Cruz said the provincial, city and municipal DRMMOs have identified swimming zones along the province’s shores.
“Tourists and locals should only swim on these zones as not all beach areas of the province are safe for swimming,” Cruz said.
The DRRMOs have also placed buoys in the swimming zones to serve as guide for swimmers. Swimming is allowed only until 6pm.
“They should not go beyond these safety lines to avoid drowning,” Cruz said. The public is also reminded to avoid swimming when under the influence of alcohol.
“Tourists and locals should also follow local ordinances to avoid being penalized,” Cruz said.
“They should heed the authorities for their own safety and security,” Ordinado added.
“Peace and order, after all, is a shared responsibility,” he said.
 
Justin Paul D. Marbella, OPG-MPIU