Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 28) — Security plans are set as crowds are expected to return to their home provinces and visit cemeteries for All Saint’s Day and All Souls Day or “Undas,” in the coming weekend, the Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.
Interim PNP Chief Archie Gamboa said the agency is on full alert and will be deploying more than 35,000 personnel to monitor and secure all transportation terminals such as bus stations and airports as well as cemeteries and memorial parks leading up to the weekend. Full alert means the officers will not be allowed to take absences.
“The key element in this operation is police visibility considering both its crime deterrent and reassuring effect on the public,” Gamboa said in a weekly press briefing.
He added that the PNP has not monitored any terrorism threats so far but assured that they are prepared.
Gamboa said item restrictions in public cemeteries will depend on the local government units’ (LGUs) directive but the PNP is tasked to check and confiscate deadly weapons.
The interim chief also advised LGUs to prohibit drinking and parties in cemeteries to avoid commotion. Gamboa said the PNP is ready to address missing persons reports, congestion, medical emergencies, petty crimes, illegal parking and swindlers. He added that they will also conduct a walkthrough inspection of terminals on Tuesday.
Earlier, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency conducted random drug tests for bus drivers, conductors and some employees of bus terminals in Pasay and Quezon City. This is to ensure safe travel for passengers in the coming days.
LOOK: Bus drivers, conductors, some employees undergo random drug testing in major bus terminals in Pasay and Quezon cities. This is part of authorities' effort to ensure safe travel for those heading to the province for #Undas2019 pic.twitter.com/8BdgmGdHeZ
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) October 28, 2019
