The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) said over 7,000 police personnel will be deployed in the six provinces and two cities of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in time for the observance of Semana Santa (Holy Week).

Albert Mogol, RDRRMC chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) director, on Friday said this was assured by the Police Regional Office (PRO)-CAR during a Pre-Disaster Risk Analysis (PDRA) meeting on Thursday.

He said the deployment will serve as police assistance and visibility personnel at places of worship, major thoroughfares, transportation hubs and terminals, commercial areas, and other places of convergence or tourist destinations.

“Their deployment will be to ensure public safety, security, and peaceful observance of the Holy Week,” Mogol said.

Among the top destinations in the region where visitors are expected to flock during the Holy Week are Baguio City; Benguet towns including La Trinidad for its strawberry farms, Atok for its flower gardens, Tublay for the eco-tourism farms; Itogon for its hiking peaks, Buguias for its vegetable gardens, and Tuba for the BenCab museum and woodcarving village; as well as the Mt. Pulag in Kabayan and Bokod; Sagada and Bontoc in Mountain Province; Tinglayan in Kalinga, home of reknowned tattoo artist Apo Whang-od; the different attractions of Tabuk City; the rice terraces in different municipalities of Ifugao; the Yamashita surrender shrine in Kiangan, Ifugao; and the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) biosphere reserve of Apayao.

Mogol said “the safety of all is not just the government’s effort but is done in partnership with the private sector.”

Also, he said the Department of Transportation has again reminded the public of basic travel safety protocols and road safety precautions.

“Do not forget the ‘DR. BLOWBAGSY’. Mahalaga yan dahil buhay, hindi lamang property ang pinag-uusapan dyan (this is very important because it is not just property but life that is at stake),” Mogol said.

“DR. BLOWBAGSY” stands for valid Driver’s License, updated vehicle Registration, Battery, Light, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air/Accessories, Gas, Steering, and Yourself (driver’s alertness).

“These are the pre-driving checklist before driving to ensure a safe and smooth travel to the destination,” Mogol said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)-Baguio synoptic station chief Larry Esperanza said that due to the prevailing dry season, the public should continue their ongoing precautionary measures to minimize heat stress and prevent any accompanying health risks associated with the climate condition. (PNA)