Thursday, November 02, 2006 Undas celebration peaceful: police chief By Ben O. Tesiorna and Rhodamae M. Hernandez
ALL Saints' Day celebration was peaceful not just in Davao City but in the whole of Mindanao as well.
Mindanao Area Police Office chief Deputy Director General Isidro Lapeña made this assessment during his inspection of major cemeteries in the city Wednesday.
"All is well in the whole Mindanao. No untoward incident since Tuesday until Wednesday," Lapeña said.
Lapeña visited Davao Memorial Park in Matina and San Pedro Memorial in Madapo Hills, Davao city where he inspected the police personnel detailed in the public and private cemeteries.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has maintained the red alert level throughout the city, which was implemented few weeks ago after the series of bombings in Mindanao last month.
Duterte said the alert status will remain for as long as there is a threat of terrorism.
The 2,000-strong police force of the Davao City Police Office was deployed all over the city to secure Dabawenyos during the two-day celebration.
Military support from the Task Force Davao is also seen conducting patrol in public places.
Lapeña's assessment was echoed by Davao City Police Office Director Catalino Cuy.
Cuy went to the cemeteries in his area of responsibility to check on his policemen who were deployed in the different cemeteries for two days.
"I didn't see any problem. We went to the different cemeteries and we have seen that there were no untoward incidents," Cuy said.
He said the safety of those people planning to celebrate the All Saints' day and the All Souls' day with their departed loved ones were being prepared and monitored by the policemen.
"There were lesser people because November 2 is a working day. Some opted not to go home to their provinces since there is work the following day. And so far, there were no cases reported in the cemeteries. I also ordered the police to monitor since during these occasions theft and snatching are rampant," Cuy said.
The Philippine National Police is strict on implementing the city ordinance banning alcoholic beverages inside cemeteries. Police are also sieving out deadly weapons from being brought in.
"Hopefully, our cemeteries will be safe until Thursday. Also, there many policemen deployed to see to that it is safe for the public," Cuy added.
