Personnel of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office (INPPO) have been placed under a full alert status to ensure safe and meaningful travel during the Holy Week.

INPPO Director PCol. Julius Suriben confirmed Tuesday that the PNP has prepared a comprehensive security plan on traffic management and personnel deployment to ensure public safety before, during, and after the observance of Holy Week.

In anticipation of heavy traffic and a surge in tourists, Suriben said, police assistance desks have been activated at transport terminals, airports, churches, shopping malls, and other places of convergence.

Since Monday, the Ilocos Norte police have deployed 2,050 personnel, along with members of the Philippine Army, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

In coordination with local government units and tourism stakeholders, police visibility and beat patrols for crime deterrence and accessible public assistance have been strengthened, including the send-off of all-women tourist police bike patrollers in key destinations.

Suriben assured that visitors going up north can enjoy worry-free travel as a total of 37 “protect boxes” of the PNP are strategically placed along major thoroughfares and in areas of public convergence to assist travelers.

For added security and safety while in the province, the Ilocos Norte police also advised the public to download the free iPOLICE app via Play Store for Android phones to have the services of the local police at their fingertips.

Users can get complete information about the different units of the INPPO, including contact details.

The app also features a message board covered by the Data Privacy Act, where users can interact freely with men and women in uniform regarding complaints, concerns, partnerships, and other requests. (PNA)