Philippines: Officials increasing security nationwide for Holy Week events March 24-31

Authorities are bolstering security across the Philippines for the nationwide public holidays to mark Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, March 28-29, and Holy Week festivities March 24-31. The holiday period typically sees millions of residents go on vacation or travel to their hometowns. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will likely deploy thousands of additional personnel in major cities like Metro Manila, Bacolod, and Cebu to secure churches and crowded public spaces like shopping malls, open markets, and transport hubs. During the holiday period, Islamist militants and insurgent groups could attempt to stage attacks, particularly against Christian targets.

Transport Disruptions
Authorities will suspend Philippine National Railways (PNR) services from March 28. In Metro Manila, officials are suspending Metro Rail Transport (MRT) 3 March 28-31, Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 March 27-30, and LRT 2 March 28-31. Major transport disruptions are likely March 22 through at least March 31 due to increased domestic travel and heightened security measures. Highway congestion, as well as delays to domestic flights and long-distance ferry and bus services, are likely. Regional police forces typically enforce road closures or traffic diversions around the sites of large religious events.

Transport Security
Authorities are likely to increase security measures at transport centers, including ports, and on long-distance passenger vessels nationwide. Unattended bags could prompt security operations at transport hubs and facilities. Increased criminal activity, especially theft and robbery, is possible at transport hubs nationwide. Safety remains a significant concern on major highways; accident rates are typically much higher during Holy Week.

Crime
While overall criminal activity has declined during the holiday period in recent years, the threat of pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and robbery remains elevated during the holidays. Police will likely increase patrols and deploy additional personnel at public facilities, including malls, banks, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, to intensify anti-crime measures. Tighter security is highly likely at banks and other financial institutions, which have been targets of armed robbers and organized criminal groups in the past. Residential burglaries are also common during the holiday season.

Terrorism
Authorities may issue terror warnings due to threats posed by militant groups, including Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and the New People's Army (NPA), in Mindanao. The groups may attempt to stage bombings, including in major cities like Davao and Zamboanga. While officials have not identified any specific terrorist threat to the holiday period as of March 18, officials will probably still intensify measures like checkpoints and random motorist searches, particularly in Mindanao. Potentially disruptive bomb threats may occur at shopping centers, bus terminals, metro rail stations, ports and ferries, and religious sites.