Pangasinan: The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) has reactivated 105 police assistance desks throughout the province, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reactivated its motorists’ assistance hubs for the Lenten season. “Police visibility is essential especially during this time to ensure peace and order in the province,” stated PPPO director Col. Rollyfer Capoquian in an interview on Tuesday.

According to Philippine News Agency, the assistance desks are strategically located, with 31 in places of worship, 41 in major thoroughfares, 13 in transport hubs, and 20 in commercial areas. In addition to the assistance desks, tourist police will be deployed on beaches to manage the expected influx of people. Col. Capoquian urged locals to comply with laws and ordinances to prevent any incidents during the holidays. He also advised residents to secure their homes by locking doors and unplugging appliances to prevent theft or fires.

Meanwhile, the DPWH announced the reactivation of its Lakbay Alalay Program from 8 a.m. on April 16 to 5 p.m. on April 19. DPWH Ilocos Region information officer Esperanza Tinaza confirmed that uniformed field and crew personnel, along with maintenance equipment, will be stationed in specific areas across the province. These assistance hubs will be set up along several key roads, including the Pangasinan-Zambales Road and the Pangasinan-La Union Inter-Provincial Road, among others.

Tinaza explained that the Emergency Operation Center will be staffed by the Maintenance Division of the DPWH Regional Office I, and Quick Response Teams from the Equipment Management Division will be ready to assist with any emergencies. She added that routine highway maintenance activities have been conducted to ensure that national highways remain in good condition for safer travel and uninterrupted transport flow in the country.