LEGAZPI CITY — All police units in the Bicol region will go on full alert starting midnight of Oct. 30 until Nov. 3 for the traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
Bicol police spokesperson, Chief Insp. Ma. Luisa Calubaquib, said they will field 6,000 policemen in strategic areas of the region to augment local police units in cities and municipalities and ensure peace and order, especially around cemeteries.
“Hundreds of policemen will be deployed to beef up the existing police force to maintain peace and order on Nov. 1 and 2,” she said in an interview on Thursday.
Calubaquib said regional police director, Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, tasked the provincial and city directors and city and municipal police stations to maximize their personnel in providing maximum security to all cemeteries in their respective areas of responsibility.
She noted they will check individuals bringing in any kind of liquor, firearms, and bladed weapons inside cemeteries.
Police will also provide traffic, security and medical assistance to commuters coming from other provinces who will take their vacations, she added.
Calubaquib further reminded Philippine National Police (PNP) units to stay on alert, be vigilant and take precautionary measures against domestic threat groups and other lawless elements that may take advantage of the events.
“Preparations are underway to see to it that no untoward incident happens that would endanger the lives of the people from elements who would like to sow terror during this religious event,” she said.
“No leave (of absence) is allowed at this time for all the PNP personnel and for those who already filed their leaves, they will be recalled for them to render duties for safeguarding the community. Only maternity, paternity and sick leave will be entertained by this time” she added.
Calubaquib said advisories were issued to the public containing the standard operating procedures or the “dos and don’ts” with regards to the observance of All Saints’ Day.
The PNP also advised the public that safety precautions should not only be observed in cemeteries, but also in their homes especially when taking vacation.
“Remember that crimes happen everywhere. No one knows when will the perpetrator attack, personal security must always be observed, let us always be safe,” she said. (Connie Calipay/PNA)
