The Philippine National Police yesterday announced that it will deploy 135,334 police personnel and force multipliers next week in preparation for this year’s All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days where millions of Filipinos are expected to visit their dearly departed in various cemeteries nationwide.
Police Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said 35,618 cops will be sent to cemeteries, terminals, airports, seaports, and other places of convergence starting Monday.
The police will be aided by 99,716 force multipliers, including Bantay Bayan, medical, fire, and rescue volunteers, and barangay “tanods” (watchmen).
Banac assured the safety of the public during as he said the PNP has not received any report about threats on security ahead of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
“The public may continue their planned travel without fear for their security,” he said.
In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office will be on red alert status starting next week as it gears up for the influx of cemetery-goers.
A red alert status will also be declared as the country hosts the 30th Southeast Asian Games from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11, according to Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, NCRPO chief.
“The NCRPO will declare red alert for all uniformed personnel. All district directors and chiefs of police will discuss paano i-enhance ang current plan for Undas and SEA Games,” Sinas said.
A red alert status requires all policemen of the 28,000-strong NCRPO to be on standby mode and ready for dispatch wherever their services are needed.
Last year, an estimated 14.6 million Filipinos trooped to 4,677 cemeteries and memorial parks and 76 columbaria across the country. (Martin Sadongdong)
