San Juan activates security measures for Holy Week

By The Star Staff

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo announced Sunday the launch of a comprehensive security plan for Holy Week, aimed at ensuring the protection of residents and visitors during the period of high tourist and religious activity.

“This is a week when thousands of people visit our churches, beaches, and tourist areas,” the mayor said. “We want everyone’s experience to be safe and positive. Therefore, I have remained in the capital to personally oversee the implementation of this plan and ensure an effective response to any emergency.”

From Thursday, April 17 to Sunday, April 20, the Municipality of San Juan will activate all its response units, including the Municipal Police, the Municipal Office for Emergency Management and Disaster Administration, lifeguards, and paramedics. There will be enhanced surveillance in tourist areas, religious centers and public beaches.

Highlighted measures include:

* Intensified patrols by the Maritime Unit, Traffic Unit, and Impact Unit, using boats, jet skis, Can-Am vehicles and electronic surveillance towers on beaches such as Escambrón and Último Trolley.

* 24/7 command centers on key beaches, with personnel trained in water rescue and powered by Dolphin One motorized lifeguards.

* An active presence along the coast from San Juan Bay to Punta Las Marías, with an ambulance stationed at Escambrón and rapid response capability at Playita del Condado.

* Support from the 10 municipal precincts for processions and religious events.

“The security plan focuses on prevention while also providing an immediate response if an emergency arises. We will maintain continuous surveillance on our beaches with camera towers, vehicles that can access hard-to-reach areas, and certified lifeguards ready to act,” Municipal Police Commissioner Juan Jackson said. “We will have specialized patrols in La Placita, Loíza Street, Condado, and Old San Juan, including the Canine and Motorcycle Unit, as well as direct support for religious activities. It is a broad and coordinated effort.”