Undas observance in EV generally peaceful—PRO8

PALO, LEYTE , Philippines — The observance of Undas in Eastern Visayas was generally peaceful, said Police Regional Office-8 director, Chief Supt. Elmer Ragadio Soria.

“There were no major incidents reported during the period except for several cases where the police confiscated bladed weapons and liquors at cemetery entrances,” he said in a PIA-8 report.

Soria lauded the 5,000 policemen tasked to man Police Assistance Hubs (PAHs) and checkpoints and conduct patrols that ensured the safety of cemetery-goers. He also credited the help extended by the police’s force multipliers, the media, communication groups, anti-crime and other civic groups, the Barangay Peace-keeping Action Teams (BPATs) and tanods who were mobilized to help maintain peace and order and direct traffic.

Soria went around the region supervising the security efforts of his men. On Wednesday, he went to Allen town in Northern Samar to ensure security preparations at Looc and Dapdap ferry terminals.

During All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, he inspected checkpoints and PAHs set at Catholic cemeteries located in various barangays in Tacloban City. He further inspected shopping malls and motorists’ assistance centers in different parts of the city.

After the Undas, Soria said policemen will now be tasked to ensure the safety of the public, specially those leaving the region and heading back to their works and schools in other places. (FREEMAN)