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)
