PNP placed on full alert for ‘Undas’

MANILA, Philippines - The 148,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP) is on full alert starting today to secure and maintain solemnity at cemeteries during the observance of All Saints’ Day tomorrow.

Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., PNP’s deputy chief for operations, said police would frisk all bags and backpacks of people before they enter the cemeteries to confiscate banned items like liquor, handguns, and deadly and bladed weapons.

Policemen would also be on the lookout for terrorists and criminal elements who might take advantage of the situation, and ban the playing of loud music and illegal gambling inside the cemeteries to prevent violence.

“We discourage people from conducting boisterous celebrations as we would like to maintain solemnity inside cemeteries,” Rojas said.

During full alert, the PNP cancels all leave, rest and recreation of policemen. Rojas is confident that the observance of All Saints’ Day would be peaceful and orderly.

He also ordered policemen to assist the elderly, women and children in coming in and out of cemeteries.

The PNP would erect public assistance desks in all cemeteries, and they would be augmented by local health officers in dealing with all types of emergencies.

“Force multipliers” would help ease traffic in all streets in the vicinity of cemeteries, and policemen would also be deployed in parking lots to prevent the repeat of a shooting incident in Marikina City years ago due to a quarrel over parking space.

“While guarding cemeteries, we should also be on alert against criminals like the Akyat-Bahay who struck in unattended residences, especially in posh subdivisions, during the occasion,” Rojas warned.

He also directed PNP’s regional, provincial and district directors to coordinate with local government units, radio groups and concerned government agencies in their security operations for All Saints’ Day.