Friday, October 31, 2008 Cops ready for All Saints' Day
THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will go on high state of operational readiness to ensure the availability of police personnel and resources for public safety and security operations on All Saints' Day.
PNP chief Jesus Verzosa ordered all regional directors to maintain the vigilance in security operations for motorists and commuters who are expected to travel to the provinces for the holidays to pay respects to their departed ones.
"Remain visible at all times along travel routes, transport terminals, public cemeteries, and other public places to establish police presence in these areas," Verzosa instructed the PNP regional directors.
The PNP will establish at least one Police Assistance Center (PAC) in every public cemetery or memorial park in cooperation with local government units, civilian volunteer organizations, communication groups, and motoring clubs.
In Luzon, Verzosa alerted police units in the Ilocos-Pangasinan Region, Cagayan Valley Region, Cordillera, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol Region to establish similar PACs along the McArthur Highway, Maharlika Highway, and Manila South Road.
This is aimed at securing the travel route for motorists and commuters going home to the provinces.
PNP spokesman Nicanor Bartolome reminded the public to take the necessary precautions when leaving their residences unattended during the short holiday.
"To preclude the possibility of criminal elements taking advantage of unattended residences, homeowners must coordinate with barangay or neighborhood authorities for special security arrangements," he said.
Local police units were also alerted to respond to possible security and emergency situations in public cemeteries such as missing persons, medical emergencies and accidents, traffic gridlock, overcrowding and congestion, stampede, petty crime, illegal parking and vendors, swindlers impersonating as priests and long-lost relatives, and possession of deadly weapons and prohibited items.
The PNP Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) is circulating flyers in residential communities containing crime prevention tips and public safety advisories when traveling, while on the road, and when in the public cemeteries.
Bartolome said these flyers are being distributed in transport terminals, public cemeteries, and town centers nationwide. (VR/Sunnex)
