Philippines: Officials increasing security nationwide for Holy Week events April 14-17

Event

Authorities are bolstering security across the Philippines for the nationwide public holidays to mark Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, April 14-15, and the Holy Week festivities through at least April 17. Authorities will suspend Metro Rail Transport (MRT) 3 services April 13-17. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will likely deploy thousands of additional personnel in major cities like Bacolod and Cebu to secure churches and crowded public spaces like shopping malls, open markets, and transport hubs. Attendance at events may be smaller than in previous years due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, though officials have relaxed restrictions in most parts of the country. Authorities may ban larger gatherings as a precaution during the festivities. During the holiday period, Islamist militants and insurgent groups could attempt to stage attacks, particularly against Christian targets.

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 in major cities like Davao and Zamboanga and Basilan and Jolo islands. While officials have not identified any specific terrorist threat to the holiday period as of April 1, 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.

Advice

Exercise caution at churches, shopping centers, transport hubs, and other crowded public spaces. Plan for transport and business disruptions near transport centers and other public facilities due to increased security measures. Allow additional time if traveling to the transport hubs due to possible traffic congestion. Do not carry large sums of money and avoid ostentatious displays of wealth; use ATMs inside banks, hotels, or other businesses, rather than on the street. Closely guard bags and other valuables at malls, airports, ports, and other crowded transport centers. Relinquish valuables if confronted by an armed assailant, as criminals are known to operate in groups and may resort to violence when resisted. Take extra steps to protect unattended residences; do not discuss vacation plans or other personal details around strangers. Ensure adequate security for employees transporting money to and from banks; vary departure times, and conduct all transactions discreetly. Heed all official advisories and remain cooperative if stopped by authorities for security and health checks.