Mayor Beng Climaco has directed authorities to secure places of worship to ensure safety and protection of worshipers and devotees of all faiths.

Mayor Climaco said that during a recent City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting, she has directed the local government and security forces to create a security group dedicated specifically for places of worship such as mosques and churches.

“I have directed Dr. Elmeir Apolinario, the Task Force Zamboanga, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to create, in the words of Fr. Roseller Atilano, SJ, our pastoral security guards, to ensure the protection of mosques, temples, and all places of worship,” Climaco said Monday.

The group will be composed of members of security forces as well as leaders of different religious organizations and will have the objective to “assure and assist in the protection of the worshippers”.

Meanwhile, with the upcoming Holy Week, the local government has signed two executive orders for its peaceful and safe observance.

Mayor Climaco signed EO 459 which prohibits the sale, drinking, and bringing of liquor and other intoxicating drinks as well as bladed weapons and firearms at the Mayor Cesar Climaco Freedom Park from April 17 to April 20.

Executive Order 460, on the other hand, orders a temporary traffic re-routing scheme on roads leading to Mayor Cesar Climaco Freedom Park and declares it as a walk-in park for the duration of the Holy Week. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)