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Monday, October 31, 2005
Cops order screening to keep cemetery crowds safe
By Rene H. Martel & Jovy S. Taghoy
Sun.Star Staff Reporters
Cebu’s churches and cemeteries are under close watch for this week’s celebration of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Aside from urging the public to stay vigilant against terror threats, police and city officials warned fraternities against spoiling the holidays.
Some slain members of rival fraternities Akrho and Tau Gamma Phi are reportedly buried in the Calamba Cemetery, raising fears that violence will erupt once the two groups meet there.
“I’m hoping Tau Gamma and Akrho officials would double their efforts in policing their ranks and not disrupt the occasion,” Councilor Sylvan Jakosa-lem said. Jakosalem promised to talk to officials of the two groups.
Tau Gamma and Alpha Kappa Rho (Akrho) have one official each buried in the Calamba Cemetery, one of the most crowded cemeteries in the city.
Worried
Jakosalem, vice chairman of the City Council committee on police, fire, penology and public safety, said security dogs will help the police detect bombs and illegal drugs at bus terminals and cemeteries.
“I’m even more worried of terrorism now because of the simultaneous bombings in India during a festival today. We really have to beef up security at the cemeteries,” Jakosalem said. At least 61 people were killed during the attacks (Story, A22).
The people are also urged to do their part.
In a message relayed last Thursday by Vice Mayor Michael Rama to the teams tasked to secure cemeteries and churches, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said people should be able to detect bombs and other explosives.
Jakosalem also urged the public to report to police any untoward incidents.
He said that aside from its Mobile Patrol Group (MPG) hotline 166, which can’t be accessed by cell phone, the MPG can also be reached through its direct line 232-0289 for immediate police assistance.
For his part, Supt. Pablo Labra II, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau, urged the people to secure their houses before leaving for the cemeteries.
Burglars
Acting Cebu Provincial Police Director Vicente Loot also warned the people against bringing valuables and large amounts of money outside.
Burglars have been to known to hit when people leave their homes to visit their relatives’ graves.
Loot and Labra also reminded people not to bring bladed weapons and liquor to the cemetery, or play loud music there.
The Police Regional Office 7 earlier ordered all police units to declare a red alert status in their areas starting at 12 midnight of Oct. 31.
To help the Cebu City Police Office secure the 14 cemeteries in the city are 100 members of the Regional Mobile Group, barangay tanods and civilian volunteer groups.
Jakosalem, also the chairman of the council committee on energy, transportation, communication, and other utilities, said there will be traffic enforcers in major streets, especially those leading to cemeteries. He also reminded motorists to be patient, as traffic is expected to get heavy.
He said illegally parked vehicles will be clamped and towed.
The City Traffic Operations Management office, he said, can do the job effectively after it bought 40 new clamps to add to the 30 it already had.
(October 31, 2005 issue)
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