MPD on alert for All Saints’ Day

MANILA, Philippines – Mayor Joseph Estrada placed yesterday the Manila Police District (MPD) on full alert for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day next week.

Estrada ordered MPD director Senior Superintendent Joel Coronel to finalize their security plans to ensure the safety of people who will flock to cemeteries to pay their respects to their dead. 

The mayor said police should ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day.

“We want to ensure the convenience and safety of the people when they go to the cemeteries. We should have enough police personnel in the streets to assist the public,” Estrada said.

He also urged the public to comply with the security measures that will be enforced by police.

Estrada said firearms, bladed weapons, liquors, firecrackers, loudspeakers and playing cards are banned in cemeteries.

The MPD will be on alert starting on Oct. 29, according to Coronel.

Coronel said a total of 2,450 police officers would be deployed in three shifts to four cemeteries in the city: Manila North Cemetery, La Loma Catholic Cemetery, Manila Chinese Cemetery and Manila South Cemetery.