3,000 cops in Pangasinan mobilized for 'Undas'

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan -- Some 3,000 policemen will be mobilized by the Pangasinan police during the celebration of "Undas" from November 1 to 2.

Senior Superintendent Mariano Luis Verzosa, officer-in-charge of the Pangasinan police, said policemen will be deployed along the highways, bus stations, cemeteries and other converging points starting October 30 to ensure a more peaceful celebration.

Chief Inspector Edison Revita, spokesman of the Pangasinan Police, added that all policemen had been placed on heightened alert with the influx of many vacationers who are now flocking the cemeteries to clean the tombs of their dead kin.

Police and motorist assistance centers are now in place along the highways to assist motorist in distress.

Revita said policemen were also directed to prevent the entry inside cemeteries of firearms and pointed weapons, intoxicating liquor and loud karaokes, transistor radios among others.

At the same time, he called on people visiting their cemeteries to secure their homes as members of "Akyat Bahay" gangs may take advantage of their temporary absence.

Police anticipates that this year's observance in Pangasinan will be as peaceful and orderly as in past years. (PNA)