The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — As millions of Filipinos prepared to travel and attend religious gatherings this Holy Week, General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, took a hands-on approach, hitting the streets to personally inspect security measures at Metro Manila’s busiest transport terminals, churches, and other high-traffic areas at the start of the holiday. Opting to see the situation for himself rather than relying solely on reports, Nartatez ensured that police officers were not only deployed but also visibly stationed where crowds were expected to swell. Assistance desks were checked, and response teams were on standby to address emergencies. “Leadership is not just about giving orders from behind a desk,” Nartatez said. “I lead by example by being on the ground, seeing the situation for myself, and ensuring our personnel are ready to respond when needed.” The PNP chief stressed that physical presence in key locations was critical during peak periods such as Holy Week, allowing law enforcers to respond swiftly to incidents, manage crowd flow, and provide immediate assistance to the public. Joining Nartatez were senior police officials, including National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Anthony Aberin, Police Regional Office 3 Chief Rogelio Peñones Jr., Manila Police District (MPD) Director Arnold Abad, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Randy Glenn Silvio, and PNP Spokesman Randulf Tuaño. The team coordinated with local authorities to verify that security measures were actively implemented on site. With large crowds expected throughout the observance, the PNP chief said that highly visible deployments and direct engagement in strategic areas would serve both as a deterrent to crime and a reassurance to travelers and devotees. The initiative is part of the PNP’s Holy Week operations under the current thrust, “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” which promotes a responsive, community-oriented police force anchored on being present where it matters most.
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