Philippines deploys 180,000 personnel to secure Holy Week, Ramadan celebrations
The Philippines has deployed 180,000 security personnel across the country for Holy Week celebrations, which this year coincide with the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Around 80 percent of the Philippines’ more than 110 million people are Roman Catholics, whereas Muslims make up about 10 percent of the population.
“Our commitment extends to ensuring the safety and security of our Catholic and Muslim brothers and sisters during this significant period of religious devotion,” Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., Philippine National Police chief, said.
Holy Week started on March 24 this year and will end on Easter Sunday.
This year, the most sacred week of the Christian calendar coincides with the holy month of Ramadan that began on March 12, during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and offer intense prayer and charity.
Out of the 180,000 security personnel, about 52,000 police officers will patrol key public places, such as ports, terminals, airports, churches and tourist destinations, Acorda said.
“While our deployment has been extensive, we are attentive to specific areas that could benefit from increased police visibility … As of now, we have not received
any specific threats. However, we maintain a vigilant stance.” In December, Daesh militants targeted a Catholic Mass in the southern Philippine city of Marawi in a bombing that killed at least four people and injured 50 others. Though there has been no threat alarm, authorities in the Philippines are continuously patrolling to ensure safety nationwide, with the Christian and Muslim celebrations in mind.
“The spirit of empathy is very important. Likewise, how we treat our fellow Catholics during Lent, it’s the same with our Muslim brother during Ramadan,” Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos told Arab News on Wednesday. “Definitely we have no threat, but still it is the attitude of the Philippine National Police even if there is no threat to be always prepared for anything.”