SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union -- Ilocos Police Director Ramon Gatan has placed on full alert the Ilocos police as he activates Oplan Kaluluwa 2009.

Gatan also ordered the augmentation of route security, traffic management and preventive patrol operations in the entire region in anticipation of the influx of people coming home to the Ilocos region for the observance

of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.

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“Undas is a yearly activity during which we expect heavy traffic jams in our thoroughfares and congestion in commercial centers, public markets, cemeteries and other places of convergence. At this time, we need to

double our efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of Undas.”

Meanwhile, the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office announced the implementation of a traffic rerouting scheme as part of the Sison bridge connecting Pangasinan and La Union was damaged by the rampaging water

caused by Typhoon Pepeng.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has constructed a temporary bridge atop the damaged portion of the Sison bridge. But only light vehicles are allowed to pass through it.

There are three detour route from Manila to La Union-Ilocos Norte/Baguio City.

From Tarlac, motorists may take the 1) Rosales-Villasis-Sta Barbara-Mangaldan-San Fabian-Rosario, La Union; 2)Rosales-Villasis-Urdaneta City-Manaoag-San Jacinto-Mangaldan-San Fabian-Rosario, La Union; or 3)

Binalonan-Laoac-Manaoag-San Jacinto-Mangaldan-San Fabian-Rosario, La Union.

Gatan said maximum police visibility will be provided along three route options.

He designated senior Police Commissioned Officers as supervisors who shall closely monitor and oversee the overall conduct of the operations.

“In every province, there is a designated member of the Regional Directorial Staff who will supervise the various public safety activities in coordination with the Provincial Directors of Police Provincial Offices starting

October 30, 2009. The designated supervisor in Ilocos Norte is Police Supt. Reynante Partible; Police Senior Supt. Teodorico M. Danao in Ilocos Sur; Police Senior Supt. Ramon Purugganan in La Union; Polcie Senior

Supt. Amando Lagiwid in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Districts of Pangasinan; and Police Senior Supt. Eduardo Dopale in Pangasinan’s 4th, 5th, and 6th Districts,” Gatan said.

As in previous years, Ilocos police will be tapping the support of other government agencies, non-government organizations and volunteer groups in providing maximum security coverage and public safety services to

include motorist assistance along major highways and traffic management along routes leading to cemeteries. (LCMY/Sunnex)