Negros oriental: The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental have heightened security measures to ensure public safety during Holy Week, officials confirmed on Monday. Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), stated that the police force has been on full alert status since Sunday evening.

According to Philippines News Agency, Polinar mentioned that no police personnel are permitted to take leave unless for exceptional reasons during Holy Week. Police chiefs are mandated to be available around the clock. Approximately 1,400 uniformed personnel have been deployed as part of Oplan Semana Santa, with police chiefs required to remain accessible at all times, whether stationed at police stations or conducting field inspections at checkpoints, police assistance desks, and public transportation terminals, as well as churches and other places of worship.

The police force is also collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to monitor resorts, ports, and the airport. In a related initiative, the Philippine Coast Guard in Negros Oriental has launched the "See Something, Say Something" campaign, encouraging the public to report violations promptly.

Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, stated that informational tarpaulins displaying maritime-related violations, hotline numbers, and a QR code have been placed strategically at ports, PCG sub-stations, and onboard seacraft. Enopia emphasized that public cooperation in reporting violations and unsafe practices is crucial for preventing accidents and other incidents.

Additionally, the Coast Guard is conducting daily monitoring of passenger influx to prevent overloading of commercial vessels, anticipating increased travel during Holy Week and the approaching summer months.