BACOLOD CITY – Hundreds of policemen and traffic enforcers have been deployed in this city for the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Wednesday and Thursday.
Chief Inspector Lester Leada, deputy chief for operations of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said policemen have been assigned to secure those visiting the 12 public and private cemeteries across the city.
Policemen were also dispatched to guard churches, public markets, and shopping malls.
Aside from more than 600 personnel of BCPO, Leada said they also sought assistance from 623 force multipliers and volunteer groups in the barangays.
Each of the 10 police stations also set up assistance desks.
Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, public information officer of BCPO, reminded homeowners to secure their houses whenever they leave for a break or to visit their departed loved ones.
Vargas also advised them to refrain from posting details of their travels on social media so that criminals, especially robbers, will not know their whereabouts.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) dispatched about 250 traffic enforcers in public and private cemeteries.
Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, head of BTAO, said these include 50 personnel at Burgos Public Cemetery and another 50 in the vicinity of Rolling Hills Memorial Park.
Up to 30 traffic enforcers were assigned in Bacolod Memorial Park and Rose Lawns Memorial Park.
Ten traffic enforcers each were deployed to other cemeteries.
Acebuche said they also implemented road closure along major cemeteries and memorial parks starting midnight of October 31, and the traffic re-routing will run until November 2.
Meanwhile, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) also went on full alert for the observance of the occasions on November 1 and 2.
Inspector Charmae De Paz, public information officer of NOCPPO, said in a press statement security and deployment plans were laid out among city and municipal police stations in the province.
Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil Jr., police provincial director, ordered policemen to conduct intensified visibility patrols and also reminded Negrenses to stay alert at all times to preempt crimes. (PNA)
