BAGUIO CITY — The Police Regional Office in the Cordillera (PROCOR) will implement tight security measures for the thousands of tourists expected to come up to the highland region during the long weekend, starting from “Undas,” when Filipinos visit the graves of their dearly departed on Nov. 1 and 2.
“Over a thousand policemen will be deployed to beef up security across the six provinces and two cities of the Cordillera,” Supt. Pelita Tacio, PROCOR information officer, said on Wednesday.
Baguio City, tagged as the Philippines’ Summer Capital, and other provinces of the Cordillera have historically been crowd drawers on long weekends.
Malacañang has declared as special non-working holidays the All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1, Thursday, and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2, Friday.
Tacio said PROCOR will deploy 1,894 cops all over Cordillera to guard the region’s 173 cemeteries, as well as churches, transport terminals, and highways to aid in traffic management and security of travelers.
She said the police force will be augmented by 3,238 “force multipliers,” composed of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (village watchmen) and volunteers.
Baguio, which usually receives the majority of the visitors, will have 584 policemen and 686 force multipliers, while Benguet will have 258 cops and 677 force multipliers for the entire duration of “Undas 2018.”
“As the need arises, stand-by PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel from the Regional Headquarters will be ready to be deployed anytime,” Tacio said.
She said cops nationwide will be on full alert, as the PNP launches “Oplan Undas” to provide public safety, security, and other contingency measures, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, local government units (LGUs), and non-government organizations.
Tacio said prior to the observance, PROCOR Regional Director, Chief Supt. Rolando Nana, and his staff will inspect the cemeteries and bus terminals in the region.
“All cell sites and towers will also be secured to prevent attacks by rebels,” the police officer added, appealing to the public for discipline and compliance with safety rules and security protocols.
She reminded the public not to bring bladed objects, liquor, portable radio, stereo components, and other prohibited items to the cemeteries, or these would be confiscated by the cops. (Liza Agoot/PNA)
