Smooth, secure Holy Week recorded in Cordillera

BAGUIO CITY — The observance of Holy Week across the Cordillera Administrative Region concluded without major security incidents, police said, crediting early deployments and inter-agency coordination for maintaining order during one of the country’s busiest travel periods.

More than 1,600 police personnel were deployed across churches, transport hubs, and key public areas from March 27 to April 5, as part of a region-wide security plan to manage the influx of pilgrims and tourists.

Authorities said the operation was reinforced by support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and volunteer groups, ensuring crowd control and rapid response capabilities throughout the week.

Regional police director PBGEN Ericson Diaz Dilag praised personnel for what he described as “exemplary performance,” highlighting the absence of major incidents as a sign of effective planning and public cooperation.

Police leadership conducted on-site inspections of stations, assistance desks, and tourist centers to assess readiness and ensure visibility of law enforcement officers on the ground.

The Cordillera region, known for its religious observances and cooler climate that draws holiday travelers, typically experiences a surge in visitors during the Lenten season.

With Holy Week concluded, police said security forces remain deployed to sustain peace and order during the summer vacation period, when tourist activity is expected to remain high.