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)
