BFP’s Undas reminder: Be careful when lighting candles

MANILA, Philippines - Be cautious in lighting candles during All Saints’ Day to prevent fires.

That’s the warning of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Director Ariel Barayuga to the public when they honor their departed loved ones at home or in cemeteries on Nov. 1.

“The BFP is reminding the public to be extra cautious especially in the observance of the All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day,” he said.

Some people become careless when using their lighted candles, Barayuga said.

“It is therefore very important to practice fire safety consciousness among the community. In case of fire, the BFP can be reached at 117 or through the telephone numbers of the nearest fire station in their area,” he said.

In Parañaque, at least 50 policemen will be deployed at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, the biggest cemetery in the city, where many known personalities are entombed, according to  Senior Superintendent Ariel Andrade.

“The 50 policemen to be deployed in the vicinity of the Manila Memorial Park will be assisted by force multipliers like barangay officials, security guards and other security volunteers.” 

President Aquino’s parents, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and President Corazon Aquino are among those buried in Manila Memorial Park.

He might ask the Southern Police District (SPD) for   a platoon or 35 policemen to help maintain peace and order, Andrade said.

Another set of police forces will be deployed around subdivisions to prevent criminal gangs, particularly cat burglars from breaking into houses left unattended, he added.

The public must make sure that their houses are properly locked, their CCTV functional, or ask a neighbor to look after their house if they could not leave a member of the family at home, Andrade said.

“Most of the incidents of Akyat Bahay (cat burglars) in the past took place because police forces are concentrated at cemeteries because of All Saints’ Day,” he said.

Zero maritime casualty

The Coast Guard aims to have zero maritime casualty during Oplan Ligtas Byahe starting tomorrow, Oct. 28 until Nov. 5.

It is on heightened alert for those nine days in anticipation of an influx of passengers traveling by sea before Nov. 1, All Saints’ Day and Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day.

Rear Adm. William Melad, officially designated as Coast Guard officer-in-charge last Monday, immediately called for a conference yesterday with all the district commanders and other key officials to fine-tune their preparations for the Oplan Ligtas Byahe. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Evelyn Macairan, Louella Desiderio