Wednesday, 01 April 2026

Caraganons assured of safer travels as PNP strengthens ‘Ligtas SumVac 2026’

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Caraganons can expect safer and more secure travels this Holy Week and dry season break as the Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) heightened its security posture with the program launch of ‘Ligtas Summer Vacation (SumVac) 2026.’

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure public safety and maintain peace and order nationwide, the initiative aims to protect the public during the Lenten season, fiesta celebrations, Labor Day, and the peak of summer travel from March 29 to May 31, when an influx of domestic and foreign tourists is expected across the region.

Police Brigadier General Marcial Mariano P. Magistrado IV, PRO13 regional director, said intensified security measures are now in place in major areas of convergence, including transport terminals, seaports, airports, churches, malls, and tourist destinations.

“We will be maximizing the deployment of police personnel across the region. The presence of police in crowded areas is crucial to prevent criminals from taking advantage of opportunities to commit crimes,” Magistrado said, assuring the public of a more visible and responsive police presence.

He emphasized that PRO13, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine Coast Guard, and community partners, is implementing comprehensive safety measures to safeguard the public throughout the summer season.

“The safety and security of our citizens remain our highest priority. In line with this, we have elevated our security operations across the Caraga region under Ligtas SumVac 2026, with strategic and sufficient deployment of our personnel in key areas. Our fellow citizens can rely on their pulis Caraga to respond at any time, anywhere in the region,” he added.

Magistrado also urged the public to remain vigilant and observe basic safety precautions while traveling, stressing the importance of cooperation between citizens and law enforcement authorities.

The Caraga police further warned against opportunistic crimes that typically increase during peak travel periods, such as theft, scams, and road incidents caused by distracted driving. Motorists are advised to inspect their vehicles before long trips, avoid driving while fatigued, and strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations.

This intensified security effort also supports the focused agenda of the Chief of the Philippine National Police, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., under the enhanced management of the police operations framework, which promotes proactive, coordinated, and community-centered policing.

Together with partner agencies and the community, the Philippine National Police remains committed to fostering a safer environment, guided by the principle: “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.”

Anchored on the administration’s thrust for a safer and more secure nation, the initiative reinforces the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas,” highlighting responsive and accountable governance.

PRO13 mobilized 2,069 policemen and force multipliers to secure the Caraga region this Holy Week and the summer vacation.

As the Lenten season begins, PRO13 calls on the public to remain vigilant and cooperative, underscoring that safety is a shared responsibility. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

Wednesday, 01 April 2026

Caraga RDRRMC raises blue alert status for Holy Week monitoring, quick response

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has elevated the alert status of its Operations Center from ‘white’ to ‘blue’ in preparation for the observance of Holy Week.

Through RDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 25, series of 2026, entitled “Raising of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (RDRRMOC) Alert Status to Blue in connection with the Observance of the Holy Week or Semana Santa 2026,” the council signaled intensified monitoring and coordination efforts across the region.

Acting Regional Director and Caraga RDRRMC Chairperson Antonio B. Sugarol of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga emphasized the importance of heightened vigilance during the week-long religious observance. “Effective March 30 to April 6, we have placed the RDRRMOC to Blue alert status to ensure that public areas with anticipated high foot traffic throughout this Holy Week will be secured. And should there be any untoward incidents noted, there will be a smooth coordination between the Caraga RDRRMC and the local DRRM offices for swift response operations,” Sugarol said.

The council noted that the influx of devotees, tourists, and returning locals requires sufficient deployment of personnel in public places, particularly religious sites. To strengthen preparedness, the Operations Service of the OCD National Office convened a virtual meeting on March 30 with OCD regional directors, the OCD central office, and the Department of National Defense (DND). Discussions focused on scenarios during Holy Week and proactive measures for interagency coordination.

Sugarol further assured that RDRRMOC personnel are on 24/7 duty to conduct continuous monitoring and coordination with local DRRM offices, ensuring immediate response to safety and security concerns across Caraga’s five provinces.

In addition, the Caraga RDRRMC reminded the public to remain vigilant and cooperative with authorities during the observance of Semana Santa. The council urged communities to promptly report any incidents or emergencies to their respective local DRRM offices to ensure immediate action and minimize risks.

The heightened alert status reflects the region’s proactive stance in safeguarding lives and properties during mass gatherings. By strengthening coordination among national agencies, local governments, and community stakeholders, the Caraga RDRRMC aims to uphold safety and security throughout Holy Week 2026. (NJGD, PIA Caraga with a report from OCD Caraga)

Wednesday, 01 April 2026

LGU Tandag strengthens safety measures for Holy Week

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In support of the nationwide effort on public safety during the observance of this year’s Holy Week and summer vacation (SumVac), local authorities in Tandag City strengthened coordinated security and emergency preparedness measures to address the expected surge in travel and religious activities.

The Tandag City Police Station, under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Colonel Armando A. Martizano, intensified police visibility operations and established police assistance desks in key areas across the city on March 29. Police personnel were strategically deployed at transport terminals, churches, beaches, and other convergence points to provide immediate assistance, maintain peace and order, and respond promptly to emergencies.

Chief Martizano reminded the public to remain vigilant, observe safety precautions, and cooperate with authorities to help maintain order and security throughout the Lenten season.

Complementing these efforts, the city government of Tandag, under the leadership of Mayor Roxanne C. Pimentel, convened a virtual coordination meeting on March 25, bringing together members of the Tandag City Emergency Response Team (TCERT), partner offices, and concerned agencies to finalize preparedness measures and response action plans.

Facilitated by the Tandag City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) Chief Reyveen John Geli, the meeting highlighted unified safety protocols and coordinated response strategies, emphasizing the importance of strong inter-agency collaboration to ensure faster response and enhanced public protection during peak travel periods.

Further strengthening readiness, the city conducted an operations and pre-deployment meeting on March 30, focusing on reinforcing preparedness measures and finalizing response action plans to ensure public safety. Key priorities included delivering timely and effective emergency response, maintaining peace and order, and implementing efficient crowd control through close coordination with partner agencies and stakeholders.

According to Geli, members of the Tandag City Emergency Response Team (TCERT), together with barangay responders, will be strategically deployed throughout the entire Holy Week celebration to support religious activities and tourism-related areas across the city. He also revealed that the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be placed on Blue Alert status from April 1 to 5, 2026, indicating heightened readiness of response teams to monitor situations, coordinate rescue operations, and provide immediate assistance during the peak of Holy Week activities.

“Through proper coordination and readiness, we can respond quickly to any situation and ensure the safety of our residents and visitors,” Geli said.

These coordinated initiatives reflect the broader national thrust to promote safe, orderly, and meaningful observance of Holy Week, as local government units and frontline agencies continue to strengthen preparedness and public safety measures across communities.

Together, the city government of Tandag, law enforcement units, emergency responders, and partner agencies reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, secure, and well-coordinated observance of Holy Week for residents and visitors alike. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, 01 April 2026

Agusan Sur LGU, PNP prepare to make Holy Week peaceful, orderly

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) intensified its province-wide peace and order initiative for the Holy Week celebration and assured the public that a comprehensive security plan has already been designed to ensure the safety and orderliness of churches, highways, and other public places during the weeklong observance.

“The provincial police office has already crafted security measures months ahead. We have already planned for this to make sure that the holy week activities will be safe, and to assure the public that the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be providing sufficient security personnel throughout the week,” said Police Colonel (PCol.) Yahya Yusup, provincial director of ADSPPO.

All police forces have also been placed on alert, with the support of force multipliers, to strengthen security across the province.

“We have many deployments. We have security personnel, Police Assistance Desks (PADs), motorist assistance teams, and our women’s desks,” said PCol. Yusup.

Motorist assistance desks were also established in anticipation of the surge of incoming visitors. These desks will help travelers navigate during the week-long celebration.

“We are also securing our churches and other establishments that may serve as visitors’ destinations,” he added.

Likewise, PCol. Yusup encouraged the public to contact the ADSPPO for security concerns or assistance, saying they are ready to respond 24/7.

Under Municipal Order No. 263, series of 2026, and implemented by the local government unit (LGU) of Prosperidad, temporary road closures have been enforced in selected areas during Holy Week activities.

The Municipal Traffic Unit will enforce rerouting schemes, install proper traffic signage, and deploy personnel to manage traffic flow and ensure public safety.

Authorities assure the public that with strengthened security measures, coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies, and the support of local government units, the Holy Week observance in Agusan del Sur is expected to be peaceful and orderly. 

The ADSPPO also calls on everyone to remain vigilant, cooperate with authorities, and observe safety protocols to ensure a meaningful and secure celebration. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with a report of PTV Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, 01 April 2026

DPWH’s ‘Lakbay‑Alalay’ ensures safe, convenient Holy Week travel for Caraganons 

By Nora L. Molde 

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Travel for Caraganons this Holy Week is expected to be safer and more convenient with the reactivation of the “Lakbay‑Alalay Program” by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region. 

This initiative supports national directives, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for compassion, service, and orderly observance of the Lenten season ahead of Easter Sunday.

In a message marking the start of Holy Week 2026, President Marcos underscored the values of compassion and service as guiding principles during this solemn period, expressing solidarity with Filipinos taking time to reflect on the Passion of Christ while also encouraging peaceful, safe travel and family reunions.

The Lakbay‑Alalay Program, implemented nationwide in all regional and district engineering offices, aims to provide timely and efficient assistance to motorists, especially during peak travel periods when many families return to their home provinces or visit places of worship. Services include road assistance, traffic information, and emergency response.

From April 1 at 8:00 a.m. to April 4, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., Motorists Assistance Teams will be deployed across key areas in the Caraga Region. According to DPWH Caraga OIC‑Regional Director Sabeniano D. Caliao Jr., 21 assistance stations have been established in the entire region, including two in Butuan City; two in Agusan del Norte; four in Agusan del Sur; four in Surigao del Norte; six in Surigao del Sur; and three in Dinagat Islands.

“We have activated the Lakbay‑Alalay Program in all regional and district engineering offices, with 21 stations across Caraga, to ensure that motorists are assisted throughout the Holy Week,” Director Caliao said.

He added that DPWH has coordinated with other concerned agencies, such as the Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, and local government units, to provide round‑the‑clock service through personnel shifting.

At the national level, the DPWH has directed all regional and district offices to monitor major highways, provide timely traffic advisories, assist motorists and coordinate with other government agencies to prevent accidents and ensure smooth travel during the Holy Week observance.

Through this coordinated initiative and the President’s guidance on safety and compassionate observance, motorists in Caraga are expected to experience safer, more organized, and more convenient travel, supporting both residents and visitors during Holy Week 2026. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)