Police say they're ready: Red alert status for All Souls, All Saints Day

CEBU, Philippines – The red alert status enforced during the conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections will be extended until the observance of All Souls Day and All Saints Day on November 1 and 2.

Cebu City Police Director PS/Supt. Melvin Buenafe said preparations for All Souls Day and All Saints Day are no longer no to them, but this does not mean they would let their guard down. For now, they anticipate minor incidents in the 22 cemeteries here.

"All of the chiefs of police are already aware of their roles and they had already instructed their men what to do," Buenafe said.

The Provincial Police Office, for its part, has reinstated the "Oplan Kalag-Kalag," the police operation that caters to security-related concerns on All Souls Day and All Saints Day.

Provincial Police Director PS/Supt. Erson Digal assured enough security personnel at the North and South Bus Terminals, as well as the ports. Additional personnel would also be deployed to cemeteries where many people are expected to visit.

"Mu-deploy ta ug ubay-ubay'ng police personnel sa mga menteryo nga daghan ug tao" Digal said.

In Mandaue City, policemen will be made to go around residential areas to make sure unscrupulous individuals will not take advantage of situations when homeowners visit the cemeteries.

"Naa pud tay i-assign nga mga police nga mag-roving sa mga balay kay sagad ang mga kawatan mosuol nianang mga panahona kay ang mga tawo tua man sa menteryo tanan," said Supt. Jonathan Abella, head of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Mandaue City Police.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Police Office Director PS/Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr. said his men are more than ready.

"Andam nami, susama pa sa ilang giingon nga masteral na ni namo," Natuel said.

Meanwhile, PRO7 Chief of Staff Sr./Supt. Josefus Angan said gun ban will also be observed on November 1 and 2. Those visiting the cemeteries are also not allowed to bring high-powered speakers, deadly weapons, liquors and play cards.

"Playing of cards inside the cemetery is prohibited because some of the players hide their bids while high-powered speakers can disturb others around the cemetery," he said.

Authorities are reminding the public to be aware of rerouting schemes to avoid traffic delays. (FREEMAN)