MISAMIS Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano has ordered the provincial disaster office to raise the alert level to blue beginning Sunday, March 25, for the Holy Week.
Emano directed the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to start the deployment of personnel and rescue assets as devotees will start flocking to the ports and terminals to visit the different pilgrimage destinations in the province.
The province has at least six holy destinations that attract the faithful during the Lenten season, namely: the Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador City, the Our Lady of Moog in Laguindingan, the Sipaka Heights in Talisayan, Hinuklog in Medina, Our Lady of Lourdes in Binuangan and Christ the King in Gingoog City.
PDRRM officer Fernando Dy Jr. said they will concentrate first in the Balingoan port until Wednesday, March 28, as many locals and tourist devotees will visit Camiguin for the “Panaad.”
"Focus sa ta diri kay daghan ang mobyahe paingon sa Camiguin," Dy said.
Dy said they already coordinated with the different government partner agencies including the police, military, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), fire department and other disaster responders.
He said the primary role of the disaster officers and rescue personnel is to help assist the devotees to ensure their safety as well as maintain peace and order.
On Maundy Thursday and Holy Friday, PDRRM personnel will be deployed to the different pilgrimage sites for monitoring and assistance.
These personnel will also oversee the situation at the different beaches on Easter Sunday.
Dy is reminding the public to follow instructions of the authorities not to bring prohibited items such as alcoholic beverages, loudspeakers and sound systems and deadly or bladed weapons, among others.
Dy is also urging everyone to bring with them umbrellas should it rain on Thursday or Friday.
"Sa last year man gud nag-ulan so magdala na lang daan sa payong or shades kung init sad kaayo," Dy said.
(It rained last year, so better bring an umbrella or shades if it’s going to be sunny.)
