OVER 30,000 policemen will be deployed to ensure security and peace and order in places of convergence during the four-day All Souls' Day holiday weekend on November 1 to 4, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said on Monday.
Albayalde said the PNP is “all systems go” in the implementation of a nationwide law enforcement and public safety plan for the traditional Filipino observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on Thursday and Friday.
A total of 32,092 police personnel from the Police Regional Offices and National Support Units will be fielded nationwide to perform security and public safety duties while another 86,977 force multipliers from local government units (LGUs), civic action groups, civilian volunteer organizations and motoring clubs to man the Police Assistance Centers (PAC) in providing road assistance and public safety services.
“An estimated 14.6 million Filipinos are expected to troop to 4,677 public cemeteries and memorial parks and 76 columbaria around the country during this traditional day of remembrance for the departed,” said Albayalde.
He said security will also be provided in all 83 airports and domestic air terminals, 333 seaports, 808 inland bus terminals and 59 train stations in different parts of the country to assist the travelers.
Albayalde said he also instructed his men to establish Police Assistance Centers in major highways and roads in order to secure the route for motorists and commuters traveling to and from the provinces.
“The key element in this security operation is police visibility, considering both its crime deterrent and reassuring effect on the public. This is the general guidance to all Police Regional Offices and National Support Units. My outstanding order to all units and personnel is to remain visible at all times along travel routes, transport terminals, public cemeteries and other public places to establish police presence in these areas,” said Albayalde.
“Local police units are also alerted to be prepared to address possible security and emergency situations in public cemeteries such as missing persons, medical emergencies and accidents, traffic gridlock, over-crowding 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,” he added.
Albayalde said they have yet to monitor any threats against the occasion.
“However, we will be always on our toes, monitoring will be continuous dahil hindi naman natin pwede i-take for granted yan, baka may mag-take advantage especially sa mga malalaking sementeryo,” he said. (SunStar Philippines)