MANILA, March 28 -- Nearly 78,000 police officers across the country have been deployed to ensure safe travel for motorists and commuters during the Lenten season and the summer months, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Monday.

This is in line with the start of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims on March 23 and the observance of the Holy Week for Catholics from April 2 to 9.

Azurin has issued operational guidelines for police regional and provincial offices to implement their respective law enforcement and public safety plan for the 60-day summer holiday season.

"We are expecting a large number of travelers during this entire period, and we want to make sure that they will have a safe and enjoyable ...