The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced that 7,000 tourist police officers will be deployed to secure the coming Holy Week activities.

In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP information office chief and spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the deployment of tourist policemen is an immediate response to the safety and security of both local and foreign tourists in ng various destinations during the Lenten break.

The PNP will also deploy 427 police service dogs to inspect transport terminals, she added.

“We have identified critical areas for police deployment such as tourist destinations, transport terminals, air and sea ports, churches, and other religious destinations where Police Assistance Desks will be established on top of the deployment of roving cops,” Fajardo said.

She said Police Regional Offices (PROs) have also been given the discretion to raise their alert level and personnel deployment depending on the situation in their areas of responsibility.

Meanwhile, Fajardo said the PNP has yet to monitor any serious threats that might disrupt the observance of Holy Week.

“Subalit lagi nating sinasabi hindi ito ibig sabihin na magkukumpiyansa tayo, kaya patuloy ‘yung ginagawa nating coordination sa ating ibang mga ahensya ng gobyerno including ‘yung Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) (But it does not mean that we will be relaxed, that’s why we continuously coordinate with other government agencies, including the AFP and the PCG),” she added.

Fajardo reminded the public to be wary of their surroundings to avoid being victimized by crimes during the summer break when most families leave their homes for vacation.

She also reminded travelers to deal only with legitimate travel agents or companies and be wary of offers that seem too good to be true to avoid being scammed. (PNA)