ZAMBOANGA CITY–The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy 2,260 personnel to ensure the peaceful observance of the All Saints and All Souls Days here in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Chief Supt. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office in Region 9 (PRO-9) director, on Wednesday said the police personnel will be reinforced by 1,738 “force multipliers” consisting of village watchmen.
“The force multipliers are devoted to help the police in securing different cemeteries in the region,” Licup said.
Licup said the security deployment will also cover bus terminals, airports, seaports and highways.
There are 192 cemeteries, 28 seaports, 94 bus terminals and four airports in the different parts of the region. The PRO-9 covers the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay and the cities of Isabela and Zamboanga.
Licup said policemen assigned with the mobile companies are tasked to conduct patrols along the highways to ensure protection of those going home to visit their departed loved ones.
“The public is reminded about security measures, such as to refrain from bringing prohibited things such as firearms, bladed weapons, liquors, gambling paraphernalia, videoke and the likes inside the cemeteries” he added.
He encouraged the public to report to the established Police Assistance Desks in the cemeteries, columbaria and public transport terminals the presence of individuals who act suspiciously.
Licup said the deployment starts on the eve of All Saints Day. (/PNA)
