PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said on Sunday, October 27, that they have not monitored any security threat to the upcoming observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
Banac said the PNP will go on full alert status across the country on Monday, October 27, 2019.
Banac assured that they are continuously monitoring the situation on the ground to ensure public safety before, during and after All Saints and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2, or Undas.
The occasion, during which Filipinos pay respects to their departed loved ones, is a major holiday in the Philippines and often serves as an opportunity for mini-reunions and parties to renew the family bond.
November 1, Friday, and November 2, Saturday, have been declared special non-working days.
Banac said the PNP is deploying 35,618 police personnel from the 17 police regional offices and national support units nationwide during the observance of Undas.
He said 99,716 security volunteers from barangay, local government units and other government agencies will augment the police forces particularly in traffic and crowd management near places of convergence such as cemeteries and transport terminals.
Police assistance desks will be set up in strategic areas to ensure immediate response to any situation.
All policemen have been required to report for duty. No one is allowed to take a leave of absence.
Banac reminded those who will travel to secure their residences properly and check every door and window as well as unplug all appliances to avoid fire incidents.
“Kung meron tayong mga CCTV ay dapat ay activated at siguraduhin itong gumagawa, tanggalin lahat ang mga appliances sa mga pagkakasaksak ng walang insidente ng sunog na mangyari,” Banac said.
(Make sure the CCTV, if any, is activated and unplug all appliances to avoid fire.)
To ensure a smooth and safe trip, he reminded motorists to check BLOWBAGETS or battery, light, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, engine, tires, self.
Banac said for those who will be visiting cemeteries or those who will be traveling through the public transportation system should refrain from using/displaying expensive jewelries. They are also discouraged from bringing large amount of cash so as not to attract criminals.
“Go to the terminal as early as possible. If you noticed something or someone who is acting so unusual report it immediately to the management, to the guard or PNP present in the area,” he said.
The Metro Manila Development Authority will suspend the number coding scheme for provincial buses on October 31 and November 4 to cater to the riding public while the number coding for all vehicles will be automatically suspended on November 1. (Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SunStar Philippines)