On April 18, 2025, Good Friday, a total of 68,465 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel had been deployed under “Ligtas SUMVAC 2025” to ensure the safety of Filipinos during the Holy Week. The event marks the end of Lent and the beginning of Easter season. It primarily focuses on the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, including the Last Supper on Maundy Thursday, the crucifixion on Good Friday, and the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Many devotees were expected to travel and go to churches, pilgrimage sites, terminals, beaches, malls, and other public places. Thus, PNP had strengthened their presence throughout the country. Around 19,120 personnel were assigned to churches; 18,283 to main roads; 8,711 to terminals; 10,125 to commercial areas; and 12,226 to tourist and recreational sites. Community collaboration with force multipliers and volunteer groups, including the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) had also been vital in boosting public safety and ensuring prompt emergency response.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), over 10,000 were deployed. While no specific threats were reported, the NCRPO Intelligence Unit remained in closed coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for heightened security and continuous monitoring.
The PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG) also deployed 840 personnel to critical areas to manage traffic flow, assist motorists and secure major roads. “We have ordered a 24/7 strict and flexible security coverage for Metro Manila during the Holy Week. I expect every police officer’s commitment to their assigned tasks,” said NCRPO Chief PMGen Anthony A. Aberin, while underscoring the importance of vigilance.
In Central Luzon, at least 1,000 cops were deployed from April 13 to 20, according to PNP spokesperson PBGen Jean Fajardo, who also heads Police Regional Office 3.
Despite the generally peaceful celebration, PNP recorded 28 incidents, including 16 cases of drowning, two road accidents in Metro Manila and Region 2, one case of arson in PRO-NIR, and three separate fire incidents in Metro Manila, Region 8, and Region 9. The police and other agencies immediately responded to these incidents.
In a statement prior the celebration, PNP Chief Police General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said that PNP was focused on ensuring public safety during the Holy Week and throughout the summer season.
“Ang kapulisan ay buong pusong naglilingkod at nakaantabay para sa inyong kaligtasan. Hinihikayat po namin ang bawat isa na makiisa, mag-ingat, at agad na iulat ang anumang insidente sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya,” said General Marbil.
This action was in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure the safety of Filipinos, whether they were traveling or staying at home during the Holy Week celebration. “Our President’s directive is to give our citizens – and not only Filipinos but also those who are visiting our country – safe and convenient travel,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing.
Meanwhile, the efforts of PNP and its partner agencies paid off as the celebration of the Holy Week concluded peacefully. It was noted that there was a huge 55.56% decrease in focus crimes nationwide this Semana Santa 2025. From April 13 to April 20, 2025, only four incidents were recorded in the eight categories of focus crimes, compared to nine incidents during the same period in 2024.
Of the eight focus crimes, no case of murder, rape, or carnapping was recorded this year. A homicide case was recorded in 2024, but this dropped to zero in 2025. Although cases of physical injury increased slightly from one in 2024 to two in 2025, robbery/hold-up incidents significantly dropped from four last year to only one this year. The number of theft cases also decreased from four in 2024 to one in 2025.
This significant decrease clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of the PNP’s intensified operations in law enforcement and public safety.
During the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony on April 21, 2025 at Camp BGen Rafael T Crame in Quezon City, PNP Chief PGen Marbil extended his gratitude to all police personnel who religiously performed their duties despite the holidays. He acknowledged their dedication in securing transport terminals, major roads, places of worship, and tourist destinations to ensure the safety and convenience of the general public.
“While the rest of the nation was on break, you were on duty. From transport terminals, major roads, places of worship, and tourist areas, you stood your ground to ensure the safety and security of our people – from the moment they travelled to their hometowns until their safe return. Because of your vigilance and presence, the entire observance of the Holy Week was generally peaceful, with no major incident recorded. That is a true testament to your commitment, professionalism, and sense of duty,” PNP PGen Marbil said.
He also commended the public for their cooperation and discipline throughout Semana Santa, emphasizing that peace and order are best achieved when law enforcement and communities work hand in hand.
The Philippine National Police remains on heightened alert until the conclusion of the election period in June. PNP is mindful of the possibility that threat groups and criminal elements may attempt to disrupt peace and order, especially with SUMVAC (Summer Vacation) season, followed by the election campaign period, election day, until the proclamation of winners for the National and Local Elections (NLE). Under this status, PNP continues to remind the public to cooperate with the police and remain orderly and peaceful in all activities.
