THE Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) is set to deploy more than 1,000 policemen to ensure public safety and security in cemeteries during the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.
Cocpo spokesperson Superintendent Mardy Hortillosa II said police personnel will be deployed for the "Oplan Kaluluwa" beginning 5 a.m. Wednesday, October 31.
"Ang instruction sa atong city director nga dili mo-pull out sa area hangtod nga naa pay mga tawo sa cemeteries so posible mga November 3 or 4 mahuman ang atong deployment (The men have been instructed not to pull out of their areas of assignment while there are still people in the cemeteries. So the deployment will probably end on November 3 or 4)," Hortillosa said.
"Ang atong deployment is naay sa sementeryo, mga assistance desk sa strategic areas, naay reserve force, quick response team ug sa matag police station," he added.
Security measures were drawn up after a coordination meeting with village officials, management of public and private cemeteries, force multipliers, and city disaster office.
City police director Senior Superintendent Nelson Aganon has also instructed his men to wear proper police uniform and be cautious and alert against suspicious personalities and activities.
Hortillosa said there is no specific security threat but they are not letting their guard down as the alert on possible terrorist attacks has not been lifted.
The city police expects thousands of people to visit the cemeteries to remember their departed loved ones during the All Souls’ Day.
"Mas expected nato nga daghan karon compared last year nga bag-ohay lang nahuman ang gubat sa Marawi City (We expect more people to flock to the cemeteries this year, unlike last year when the battle in Marawi City had just ended)," Hortillosa said.
Hortillosa urged the public not to bring prohibited items inside the cemeteries such as bladed weapons, cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, gambling materials and sound system.
"Katong maglimpyo buhaton nila daan before sa October 31 kay ibawal na nato na afterwards (Clean the tomb of your loved ones before October 31 because this will not be allowed afterwards)," Hortillosa said.
"Sa karon ang atong focus sa is mga bus terminals (Right now our focus is on the bus terminals)," he added.