Saturday, October 25, 2008 PNP prepare for All Saints' Day By Jovi T. De Leon
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO --- The city police is now preparing for the maintenance of peace and order during the observance of All Saints' Day.
Superintendent Benajamin Medina, city police chief, said they are finalizing plans and contingencies to prevent incidents and accidents during the holiday.
He added that police units will be put on full alert status to stave-off parties out to take advantage of All Saints' Day.
Thousands are expected to troop to the city's memorial parks and cemeteries starting next week in anticipation of a long weekend as November 1 falls on a Saturday.
Halloween Friday is likewise seen to draw an early avalanche of travelers to the city as many of its entertainment establishments have cued up costume and "fright night" celebrations.
Halloween has become a tradition here and in other major areas in the country. People dress up in western inspired monsters and creatures.
Businessmen also have taken the stance to a commercial level, adorning stores with cobwebs, witches, bats and candles.
Medina said police visibility will be heightened as additional cops will be posted in vital areas. He added that security measures, including vehicular and pedestrian traffic management, have been beefed up.
He added that ground commanders and police officers have been ordered to assist other security personnel in keeping peace and order during the week, when relatives and friends start paying respects to their departed loved ones.
The police force, he said, will be strict with the implementation of the alcohol ban and illegal possession of firearms and deadly weapons inside cemeteries.
Cemeteries here have already been abuzz with people sprucing up tombstones and graveyards. As early as October 30, people start trooping to memorial parks to avoid the huge crowd during the holiday.
Medina advises the public to make sure that their homes are locked when they leave for the cemeteries. "They must go in shifts to prevent robbers from taking advantage of the situation when no one is at home."
He also urged the people to call police hotlines in case of emergencies as he vowed police personnel will be ready at all times to help.
