Police intensify security for All Saints' Day

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has imposed extensive measures to ensure public safety and order for the observance of the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Director General Nicanor Bartolome, PNP chief, has instructed the Highway Patrol Group and all provincial and regional heads of police offices to set up road assistance centers and deploy route safety marshals in major thoroughfares and strategic areas near cemeteries and other public areas.

Police visibility operations and security patrols have been strengthened in various "areas of convergence" such as churches, malls, transport terminals and train stations as well as major thoroughfares and roads leading to the provinces.

Assistance hubs will also be established to serve motorists and other members of the public.

"Our Assistance Hubs will also be there to assist the handicapped, disabled and elderly individuals in cemeteries, as well as in seaports and airports, as they need more attention from our public servants for them to feel safer and more secured from those people who would like to take advantage to their physical conditions," said Bartolome.

The PNP will remain on full alert during the long weekend that follows the All Saints' Day commemoration. The police force will be expecting residents to be out on the streets and other areas to take advantage of the long break.

"Security patrols in residential areas will be also enhanced with the support of volunteers or force multipliers to prevent break-ins and akyat-bahay," said Bartolome.

Meanwhile, to prevent terrorist activities, the PNP intelligence, counter-intelligence and police operations will also be intensified and will cover power plants, telecommunication relay stations and other vital installations that might be targeted by unlawful elements.

Bartolome himself on Wednesday visited some bus terminals and cemeteries in Metro Manila to check the security measures implemented for the public.

Together with National Capital Region Police Office Director Leonardo Espina, the PNP chief made rounds in some bus stations in Cubao, Quezon City and various cemeteries in Marikina City.

Among those inspected were the Loyola Memorial Park and the Araneta Center bus terminal. The police officials also visited the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

Bartolome said he is satisfied so far with the measures being implemented at the inspected areas.

Bartolome accompanied President Benigno Aquino III in his surprise inspection Wednesday at airport and bus terminals in Pasay City to ensure that proper security measures are put in place for the All Saints' Day long weekend.

The President made stopovers at the NAIA Terminal 3 and Philtranco bus terminal, which were teeming with people who were bound for the provinces.

He checked security procedures, as well as the convenience of the passengers waiting for their flights. He also inspected the X-ray machines, comfort rooms and other facilities at the airport.

Aquino also inspected the Oplan Help Desk located at the airport composed of medical team from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

He likewise inspected the self service check-in kiosks of Cebu Pacific Air.

At the Philtranco terminal, the President inspected the Oplan Help Desk at the bus terminal composed of people from the Department of Transportation and Communications, PNP, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

He also checked the security set up, ticketing counters, pre departure area and toilets at the bus terminal.

He was able to interact with several passengers while at the terminal.

Aquino assured that government will be on full alert as the nation observes All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

In his All Souls' Day statement, the President said government has augmented security in seaports, airports and major transportation stations in the country.

Bartolome, meanwhile, urged the public to keep aware of their own security to help ensure public safety and order during this week's holidays.

"Every member of the community plays a vital role in our aim to maintain peace and order and security in our country," he said.

For instance, the public could observe the crime prevention tips issued by the PNP, according to Bartolome.

"Our Crime Prevention and Safety Tips are just many of the things that our people can do to prevent or reduce their chances of becoming a victim of lawless activities and criminals," said Bartolome. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Jill Beltran/Sunnex)