CALABARZON police intensify security for Lent, summer travel surge

By Rowena T. Cruz Personnel of the Police Regional Office 4A undergo the March monthly rank inspection at Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim in Calamb...

By Rowena T. Cruz

Personnel of the Police Regional Office 4A undergo the March monthly rank inspection at Camp BGen Vicente P. Lim in Calamba City. (Police Regional Office 4A)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon — As millions of travelers and devotees are expected to move across CALABARZON for Lent and the summer season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated a nationwide security plan to ensure public safety. The PNP remains on heightened alert and is set to deploy personnel in highly critical areas across the region.

In CALABARZON, the Police Regional Office 4A (PRO CALABARZON) has mobilized extensive security preparations under the IMPLAN Ligtas SUMVAC 2026 initiative. Regional Director Hansel Marantan said the move supports the nationwide directive to secure public activities during the holiday period.



“Aligned with the focused agenda of our Chief, PNP, we are strengthening the management of all public activities across the region during the holiday period. We are intensifying crowd control measures and implementing comprehensive risk management plans across all levels especially during red-letter days and other significant holidays in the country,” Marantan said.

PRO CALABARZON has mobilized 14,025 personnel for deployment across the region during the Lenten and summer season. This includes 8,453 police personnel, 1,306 augmentation forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard, as well as 4,266 support groups and trained volunteers.

PRO CALABARZON has identified 1,023 critical areas that require intensified police presence and security operations. These include 216 places of worship such as the Antipolo Cathedral, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine, and the Diocesan Shrine of St. John the Baptist.

Security operations will also cover 261 major thoroughfares, 87 transportation terminals, 200 commercial establishments, and 227 tourist destinations across CALABARZON. These areas are being prioritized due to the expected high influx of travelers and devotees during the Lenten and summer period.

“We continuously revisit and improve our security operations, especially in identified areas of concern, to ensure that every event, gathering, and movement of people is secured with precision, discipline, and foresight. Sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang kapulisan ay handang maglingkod nang mabilis, tapat, at may malasakit para sa kaligtasan ng bawat mamamayan,” Marantan added.

PRO CALABARZON has established coordination with local government units, non-government organizations, and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to support security operations. Community-based volunteers are also assisting in ensuring a coordinated and responsive approach to public safety.

Starting March 27, all PRO CALABARZON units will be placed on full alert status as part of the region-wide security preparations. All deployed personnel have been directed to focus on crowd management, traffic control, and the prevention of criminal activities.

The Philippine National Police urged the public to remain vigilant and actively cooperate with law enforcement authorities during the Lenten and summer period. Public cooperation is essential in maintaining peace and order across CALABARZON.