By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
Over 111,000 police personnel are set to be deployed nationwide to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Executive Officer-Directorate for Operations PCol. Amante Daro said those deployed to cemeteries and other areas of convergence nationwide will include 11,782 personnel from other units and 31,814 force multipliers, including Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, PNP advocacy support groups, and local government unit (LGU) employees who will assist in traffic management.
PCol. Daro said during Wednesday’s DILG Kapihan: Talakayan sa Komunidad at Pamahalaang Lokal, “The PNP will be deploying 111,582 [police personnel] in 5,628 cemeteries and columbaria. Yan ang kahandaan ng PNP para sa Nov. 1 and 2.”
Beyond cemeteries and columbaria, police personnel will be stationed at bus terminals and other transportation hubs to protect travelers from criminal activity amid the expected influx of passengers.
Police visibility will also be strengthened in malls, resorts, and other areas of convergence, particularly in the National Capital Region, where many residents are expected to spend the holiday period.
Residential communities will likewise be covered by police patrols, especially neighborhoods where families will be away for the holidays.
PCol. Daro added, “May pupunta ng probinsya, iiwanan ang kanilang mga bahay. Minsan buong pamilya wala, so walang tao. Sisiguraduhin ng inyong kapulisan na papatrolyahan ‘yon, to make sure na ‘di sila mapapasok ng masamang loob, at hindi manakawan ang kanilang tahanan.”
The DILG and PNP emphasized that maintaining peace and order during Undas is a shared responsibility of the police and local government units, underscoring the importance of coordinated security measures to protect communities.
For its part, the PNP committed to go “the extra mile” during the Nov. 1 and 2 observance to ensure that Filipinos can safely remember their departed loved ones and enjoy their much-needed rest.
