All saints, all souls day: Cash, security assured

CEBU, Philippines – Banks in Cebu have assured that their Automated Teller Machines have enough money to last until All Souls Day on November 2. This, as police assured security for large establishment and banks during the long weekend.

Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) Vice President Danilo Kimseng who visited the Cebu Provincial Police Office yesterday said members of the Cebu Bankers Club are ready for the holiday on November 1.

November 2 is not an official holiday.

Kimseng said BPI itself has 80 ATMs that will cater to clients across Cebu Province. He said that aside from its 24-hour hotline, personnel would also be on standby in the banks on Monday to assist customers who may have immediate concerns as regards deposits and withdrawals.

"We already know our shortcomings for the past years and we try to fill it now," he said.

CPPO Director Sr. Supt. Erson Digal said three teams from the Provincial Public Safety Battalion (formerly the Provincial Mobile Group) have been deployed to the South Bus Terminal and the North Bus Terminal yesterday. The teams will stay at the terminals until November 3. 

Meanwhile, personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 and K9 units will be deployed at both the terminals and the ports.

Field units and station commanders have been ordered to coordinate with the Bantay Dagat Commission in monitoring sea vessels to avoid overloading.

Since the police force is on red alert during the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day, personnel who may wish to leave their assigned areas will have to seek permission from their senior officers otherwise they will face the risk of charges.

For his part, Cebu City Police Director Sr. Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said his men will patrol cemeteries and financial institutions, especially those situated in isolated areas. 

"Naa say mag-roving matag karon ug unya sa mga menteryo aron walay badlungon nga makabiktima sa mga musulod ug gawas sa menteryo," Buenafe said.

He also advised homeowners not to go to cemeteries together so that someone can look after the house to prevent unscrupulous individuals from taking advantage of the situation.  (FREEMAN)