14,000 personnel deployed for Undas

MANILA, Philippines — Over 14,000 police officers and other government personnel will be deployed across Metro Manila to secure the observance of this year’s Undas, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said yesterday.

These personnel will patrol 127 cemeteries as well as major roads, transport hubs and other places of convergence to ensure peace and order during Undas, a term that covers All Saints’ and Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2, the NCRPO said.

Of the total figure, 2,990 government personnel are from the Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and force multipliers.

NCRPO chief Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, along with other government officials, yesterday inspected five of the biggest cemeteries in Metro Manila: La Loma Cemetery in Caloocan, Manila North Cemetery in Manila, San Juan Cemetery, Loyola Memorial Park in Parañaque City and Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City.

Nartatez also conducted an inspection of terminal hubs and other places of convergence where people are expected to flock during the holiday break, including the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange and bus terminals in Quezon City.

The NCRPO said the deployed personnel will provide security in their designated areas until Friday.

Nartatez reminded the public to avoid bringing prohibited items to cemeteries such as alcohol, sharp objects, firecrackers, gambling paraphernalia and other contraband.