COTABATO CITY — A week before the observance of All Souls Day and All Saints Day, the Cotabato City police office launched “Oplan Kaluluwa 2017” aimed at ensuring public safety during the two important Catholic events.
“We want zero crime during the observance of ‘undas’,” Sr. Supt. Rolly Octavio, city police director said.
Octavio told reporters that all four police substations here have prepared their own security plans and commenced its implementation.
The security plan is over and above the existing security program to thwart terrorism and illegal drugs.
“Throngs of people are expected to visit the burial sites of their loved ones on November 1 and 2 therefore security must be tight to ensure nobody is harmed or robbed while in the cemeteries,” Octavio said.
Police assistance desks are to be set up in the city’s public, Chinese and other cemeteries and memorial parks, he added.
Octavio said carrying of licensed guns within the vicinity of cemeteries is strictly prohibited. Bringing along intoxicating drinks, bladed weapons and similar items are also prohibited.
Meanwhile, prices of flowers and candles started to rise as the observance of “undas” draw near, according to a random survey by Philippine News Agency in the city.
Ordinary candles now sells from Php2 to Php5 each while decorative candles sell as high as Php300 depending on the sizes.
Arranged flowers cost between Php100 to as high as Php1,000 each.
Sherly Agustin, a flower vendor, said prices might still go higher as “undas” nears. After the observance, prices are expected to return to normal. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
