PNP readies for All Saint’s Day

Miami
October 27, 2008
Story: PNP readies for All Saint’s Day

Despite the controversy that the Philippine National Police is currently facing, the PNP still doing its work in securing the country. In fact, they are already prepared for the upcoming All Saint’s Day as many people are going to cemeteries to visit their dead loved ones.

PNP Chief Police Director General Jesus Verzosa urging the police officers and personnel to remain focus on their job and not to allow brewing side issues to affect the performance of their mission.

"The issues that are somehow diverting our attention from our normal law enforcement and peace-keeping functions must be left for the concerned PNP officers to address," Verzosa said referring to the recent Senate investigation into an incident involving PNP officials in Moscow.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) were already in full alert since October 22 after President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo leaves for Beijing to attend Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM-7) summit and will continue to be on this status after the All Soul’s Day or November 2.

The NCRPO continuos to be in full alert status because of the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development hosted by the Philippines which being held at Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay, Manila while heightened alert in nearby regions are being implemented.

NCRPO Chief Police Director Jefferson Soriano said that about 3,500 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila especially on the 74 cemeteries were many people are expecting to come to visit the graves of their loved ones.

As early as October 30 and 31, millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to their hometowns to pay respects to dearly departed, a traditional Filipino custom that has been in practice for many years.

Aside from the cemeteries, police visibility will be seen in bus terminals, seaports, airports, and along travel routes to maintain order and security, and prevent criminal and terrorists elements from taking advantage of the situation.

Vendors, political streamers, bladed weapons, intoxicating beverages, loud speakers and playing cards will be banned at the gates and inside the cemeteries.

"The key element in this security operation is police visibility, considering both its crime deterrent and the public opinion effects," PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Nicanor Bartolome said.

The PNP Spokesman said all PNP units were also alerted by the National Headquarters to prepare to respond to some extreme situations that perennially characterize the celebration of the Halloween Holiday or "undas". Like; Petty Crime; Lost children and belongings; Stampede, over-crowding, unruly crowd; Medical emergencies (exhaustion, heat-stroke, cuts, burns, sprain, fracture, food-poisoning, allergies, breathing discomfort); Pickpocket, theft, snatching, robbery, Salisi, Bukas-kotse; Estafa, illegal-vendors, swindling, impersonators (fake priests, fake long-lost relatives or colleagues of the deceased, etc); Vehicular collisions, parking violations, traffic obstruction; Gambling, alcohol, drugs; and Gang or Frat wars.