PNP to remain on 24/7 alert during long weekend

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said Friday that his men would remain in their posts even after the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days to protect the vacationing public.

Bartolome said people would surely go out and enjoy the long weekend, thus police visibility would still be stepped up, especially in crowded places.

“The Nov. 1 and 2 holidays are followed by Saturday and Sunday and I expect people to take advantage of the time by going out with their families and friends. We will protect them and secure the places they would go to,” he said.

The PNP chief said police regional offices, territorial and national support units involved in police operation would remain on 24/7 alert.

He said no major untoward incident related to the celebration of the All Souls’ Day had been reported. He described as generally peaceful the traditional observance of the All Saints’ Day, saying he continues to receive reports from his Regional Directors who noted a “trouble-free” holiday.

Bartolome expressed satisfaction over the security preparations of the PNP units even as he instructed unit commanders to remain in their posts and continue providing assistance to returning motorists and commuters.

Last Thursday’s crowd at the Manila North Cemetery was reported to have swelled to 1.1 million; 50,000 at the Manila South Cemetery; 90,000 at the Manila Memorial Park; 16,000 at Loyola Marikina, and 22,000 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.