PNP on full alert for Undas

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will go on full alert status this weekend as Filipinos are expected to visit their dead during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, a PNP official announced yesterday.

At a press briefing, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin said all police stations and units were ordered to be visible in cemeteries and other critical areas to ensure public security during the long weekend.

The government has declared Oct. 31 a non-working special holiday to allow people to visit their dead.

Police have started mobilizing personnel ahead of the holidays, Azurin said.

He also instructed police to be visible along travel routes, transport terminals, public and private cemeteries and other places of convergence.

“The general guidance for police personnel is to secure motorists and commuters who are expected to travel to the provinces during Undas,” Azurin said.

He urged the public to take the necessary precautions before leaving their houses unattended during the holidays.

Azurin asked those who will be traveling for leisure during Undas to coordinate with their communities for “special security arrangements.”

Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will also go on heightened alert for Undas.

All LTO regional and district offices will be on alert from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4.

LTO enforcers will be required to go to work during the period.

The agency held a road safety seminar for 77 bus drivers and conductors yesterday.

LTO chief Teofilo Guadiz III said they are ready to assist motorists and ensure road safety during Undas.

In San Juan, the city government has put in place security measures to ensure the peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day, public information office chief Brian Geli said.

He said offices at city hall such as engineering, traffic and parking management, public order and safety as well as the local police are ready for Undas.

Mayor Francis Zamora will inspect cemeteries in San Juan on Thursday.

“He will announce other rules to be implemented in cemeteries,” Geli said.

Full in-person classes

Meanwhile, the PNP has also started preparations for the resumption of full face-to-face classes in November as ordered by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte.

“Police will implement major security plans in coordination with school officials and local government units when full in-person classes resume next month after almost two years due to COVID restrictions,” Azurin said.

Police personnel will continue to remind the people to observe health protocols in public transportation, indoor environment and crowded places, he said. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Jose Rodel Clapano