Government gears up for All Saints’ Day

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Leandro Mendoza has alerted all regional and provincial offices nationwide regarding security during the country’s observance of All Saints and All Soul’s Day this week.

The PNP is reactivating "Oplan Kaluluwa" in all police districts, particularly in Metro Manila, as thousands of people are expected to troop to the provinces for the long weekend starting Wednesday, declared a non-working working holiday by the President.

On orders of the PNP chief, National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) chief Deputy Director General Edgar Galvante has ordered all five district directors to deploy additional cops in bus stations in Metro Manila to ensure the security of the riding public.

Increased security is expected at the bus stations in Monumento, Caloocan City, EDSA-Cubao area in Quezon City, some portions of Manila and Malibay in Pasay City.

Mendoza advised the public to be extra-patient with strict security measures implemented by the police, such as the checking of bags, personal belongings and of cargos enroute to the provinces.

Police cars and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units will also be deployed on 24-hour patrols as part of the NCRPO’s peace and order measures.

Galvante has sought the cooperation of Metro Manila mayors in helping the PNP maintain peace and order in their respective jurisdictions, particularly around public and private cemeteries.

In his radio program on DZBB yesterday, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. for his part, said proper coordination has been made with the NCRPO as well as the Traffic Management Group (TMG) in preparation for the observance of All Soul’s Day.

TMG director Chief Superintendent Renato Paredes said traffic re-routing schemes are being mapped out to ensure the smooth flow of traffic around Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, La Loma Cemetery and Eternal Gardens in Quezon City. Libingan ng Mga Bayani and Makati Public Cemetery in Makati City, and other cemeteries in the metropolis.

Local mayors have also tapped barangay officials to set-up information booths and first-aid clinics on Nov. 1 and 2.

PNP officials also warned the public to be extra-cautious and vigilant against members of "Akyat-Bahay Gangs," who might take advantage of the long vacation.

Interior and Local Government Sec. Joey Lina has also alerted the Bureau of Fire Protection for readiness against fire and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology for security to avert jailbreaks.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chair Benjamin Abalos Sr. announced yesterday a three-day suspension of the odd-even scheme for the coming All Soul’s Day commemoration to enable residents in the metropolis to freely travel to their respective provinces.

Abalos reportedly made this announcement on his weekly radio program, saying the suspension would start on Oct. 31 and last until Nov. 2.

Under the unified vehicular volume traffic reduction scheme, public and private vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 and 2 are not allowed on the street from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and those with plate numbers ending in 3 and 4 on Tuesdays and so on. Violations carry the penalty of a P300 fine.

The government is likewise expected to order half-day work schedules for the season to give way to the massive exodus from Metro Manila expected during these times.

Particularly expected to be clogged by vehicles are the South and North expressways, particularly the lanes leading out of Metro Manila. – With Jose Aravilla