PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa conducted on Tuesday, October 29, a security inspection at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Quezon City to ensure the safety and security of the travelers during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
Together with National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Debold Sinas and Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Ronnie Montejo, Gamboa went around the Araneta Center Bus Terminal to check on the policemen deployed there and give a few reminders to the riding public for smoother travel.
“Nandito kami ngayon sa Cubao bus station para tingnan ang kundisyon ng mga tao dito and our security preparation for the holiday and we assure the public that the PNP is prepared. As a matter of fact ‘yung declaration ko na full alert (on Monday) was the beginning for our preparation for the security measures para sa holidays until Monday,” said Gamboa.
Gamboa said four bomb sniffing dogs, including two from the PNP, were in position in the said terminal to inspect the baggage. A Police Assistance Desk, with 24/7 operations, has been established.
According to the terminal’s manager, Ramoncito Legazpi, they are expecting 5,000 to 6,000 passengers to flock to the terminal before and after the Undas weekend.
“Fine, contented, very good (ang preparations). Sabi ko nga it should not only concern the PNP other agencies should be here also especially sa drivers and pati ‘yung conditions ng mga sasakyan very important,” said Gamboa.
“I'm contented with the preparations but of course hindi ito pabayaan sa level ng mga commanders lalo na dito ng chief of police at district director they should also monitor from time to time tignan nila condition ng mga tao, ito inspection ko lang pero ‘yung dapat na maginspection often ay ‘yung mga commanders natin,” he added.
The PNP will be deploying 35,618 police personnel from the 17 police regional offices and national support units nationwide during the observance of Undas.
A total of 99,716 security volunteers from barangay, local government units and other government agencies will augment the police forces particularly in traffic and crown management near places of convergence such as cemetery and transport terminals.
The PNP was placed on full alert status on Monday to ensure 100 percent presence of personnel to perform police functions.
Gamboa said an estimated 15 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. (SunStar Philippines)