PRO3 Deploys Over 13,000 Personnel for Holy Week Security | The Police Regional Office 3 has mobilized more than 13,000 personnel across Central Luzon to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful observance of Holy Week and the SUMVAC period from March 29 to April 5, 2026.
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has significantly increased its security deployment for the observance of Holy Week and the summer vacation period, mobilizing more than 13,000 personnel across Central Luzon from March 29 to April 5, 2026.
Authorities said the expanded deployment marks a major increase from the initial 2,000 personnel originally assigned for the SUMVAC 2026 security operations. The move aims to ensure public safety as thousands of travelers, pilgrims, and devotees are expected to visit churches, tourist destinations, and transport hubs throughout the region.
Effective March 30, PRO3 will also implement full alert status to ensure maximum police visibility, faster response capability, and heightened operational readiness.
According to PRO3 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Jess B. Mendez, nearly 9,000 police personnel from the regional command will be deployed on the ground, augmented by more than 1,000 additional support units. The police force will also be assisted by approximately 3,500 force multipliers and members of various advocacy groups, forming a whole-of-community approach to public safety.
“From our initial 2,000 personnel, we scaled up to more than 13,000 to ensure that our presence is felt where it matters most. As more people travel to roads, churches, and places of worship, we are also strengthening our forces to ensure their safety,” Mendez said.
To ensure operational readiness, regional staff have been conducting inspections of key deployment areas to evaluate personnel preparedness, visibility, and response capabilities.
Police visibility has also been intensified through increased foot and mobile patrols, while Police Assistance Desks and Centers have been strategically set up in churches, transport terminals, highways, and other areas where large crowds are expected. Road safety marshals were likewise deployed to assist motorists and manage traffic flow.
Authorities said police personnel will be positioned in places of worship as early as Palm Sunday to ensure the orderly conduct of religious activities.
Mendez emphasized that the primary goal of the security operations is to allow families to observe the religious season peacefully and safely.
The intensified security preparations are aligned with the operational priorities of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police, under the PNP Focused Agenda, which promotes responsive and community-oriented policing across the country. (Jason de Asis)