Manila: Police visibility at key transport hubs nationwide has been intensified as Holy Week travel picks up, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. The PNP announced an increased presence in terminals, ports, and places of worship as part of a heightened alert status that began on Palm Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the increased police presence is intended to provide maximum security and assistance to travelers. About 2.4 million travelers are expected at seaports, while around 1.3 million passengers are projected at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for the week. Nartatez assured that security would be strict but efficient, allowing for smooth travel experiences.

The PNP is also preparing for heavy traffic on expressways and national highways. In addition to traffic management, the police are monitoring prices of basic goods to prevent unauthorized increases, coordinating with the Department of Trade and Industry and local governments. Nartatez mentioned that several arrests have been made for unauthorized price increases, emphasizing the commitment to consumer protection.

The Philippine Army has expressed readiness to support the PNP in ensuring a peaceful Holy Week observance. Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala confirmed that troops are focused on community safety and security during the religious holiday. While specific details on personnel deployment were not disclosed for security reasons, Dema-ala noted that there is no current directive for the Army to go on "red alert" for the annual observance.