CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — More than 13,000 police personnel, force multipliers, and advocacy groups have been deployed across Central Luzon as part of heightened security operations for Semana Santa and summer vacation 2026 from March 29 to April 5.
The expanded regional deployment, led by the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3), forms part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) intensified public safety and security operations as thousands of travelers, pilgrims, and devotees are expected to pass through major roads, transport hubs, churches, and other convergence areas during the Holy Week break.
Starting March 30, PRO 3 was also placed under full alert status to strengthen police visibility, improve response capability, and sustain heightened operational readiness throughout the region.
The total deployment includes nearly 9,000 PRO 3 police personnel, augmented by more than 1,000 additional units and supported by around 3,500 force multipliers and advocacy groups.
Police Regional Director PBGen. Jess Mendez said the increased deployment was intended to match the expected rise in public movement and religious activity across Central Luzon.
“From our initial 2,000 personnel, we scaled up to more than 13,000 to ensure that our presence is felt where it matters most. Habang dumarami ang ating kababayan sa mga lansangan, mga simbahan at iba pang pook sambahan, mas pinapalakas din natin ang ating pwersa para sa kanilang kaligtasan,” Mendez said.
He added that the security buildup reflects a whole-of-community approach to public safety, with law enforcement and community partners working together to protect commuters, motorists, worshippers, and tourists during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
To ensure that personnel remain ready and visible on the ground, regional staff are conducting area inspections in key deployment sites across the region.
The inspections aim to assess the preparedness, visibility, and responsiveness of deployed personnel and ensure that security measures are properly implemented in high-foot-traffic and high-risk areas.
As part of the intensified operations, PRO 3 has increased foot and mobile patrols and strategically established Police Assistance Desks and Centers in churches, transport terminals, highways, and other public convergence areas.
The regional police also deployed road safety marshals to help manage traffic flow and assist motorists expected to travel in large numbers during the observance.
As early as Palm Sunday, police personnel were already stationed in places of worship to help secure religious activities and ensure the orderly conduct of church services.
“Ang layunin natin ay malinaw—ang bawat pamilya ay makapagnilay ng Semana Santa nang ligtas at payapa. Nananatili tayong nakaantabay at handang tumugon sa anumang sitwasyon,” Mendez added.
He added that, in line with the focused agenda of PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the regional police office will continue to deliver responsive and community-oriented policing in partnership with the public to ensure that police services remain swift, reliable, and felt by communities across Central Luzon.
The intensified deployment supports the national government’s continuing efforts to uphold public safety, secure mobility, and strengthen community preparedness during major holidays and peak travel periods. (Rick P. Quiambao)
