THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will be sending a number 18,000 officers to secure transit hubs, thoroughfares, and cemeteries for Undas, according to an official on Monday.
Brigadier General Jean Fajardo, a PNP spokesperson, stated that the police already had a “security template” for recurring occasions such as Undas, in which people are likely to flee and gather in graves.
Fajardo stated that police regional directors were given the power to adjust their alert levels as needed to ensure security in their particular districts.
“There are 18,802 of those we will deploy. And among those we will deploy are those we will place at the police assistance desks in our memorial parks and cemeteries, and also at the transport terminals to make sure that we can support our countrymen who are expected to travel,” Fajardo stated to reporters at a press conference.
Meanwhile, Fajardo stated that there would be various augmentations in typhoon-affected areas where reserve forces would be recruited to assist police personnel, some of whom were still working as the recovery and relief efforts continued.
Fajardo additionally requested the public to be watchful and cautious when leaving the house, by locking the doors and windows, utilizing alarm systems and security cameras as much as possible, and avoiding posting itineraries, personal details, or other “at the moment” actions online.
Last week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that it is working with the PNP and the Highway Patrol Group to prepare the celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
According to MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Chief Atty., local government entities ought to provide traffic plans ahead of time, including a timetable of significant road closures, to avoid traffic congestion, particularly on routes going to cemeteries.