Over 6,000 cops to be deployed in Mimaropa for ‘Undas’

CITY OF CALAPAN — Some 6,556 policemen and “force multipliers” will be deployed in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan (Mimaropa) to ensure the public’s safety on November 1 and 2 in anticipation of people’s influx to cemeteries to visit departed loved ones.

Supt. Imelda Tolentino, Mimaropa police information officer, said in a statement that force multipliers include those from peace and order councils like Bantay Bayan and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team, and civilian volunteers for medical and radio communication.

Mimaropa police director Chief Supt. Tomas Apolinario Jr. ordered all unit commanders to tighten security in public places like malls, terminals, cemeteries, churches, resorts, “and other areas vulnerable to terrorist hostile activities in coordination with other concerned law enforcement agencies.”

Safety Marshals will also be deployed in strategic areas along the routes from and to the 178 cemeteries and other areas of convergence. Assistance Hubs along major highways and coordination with volunteer groups will also be established.

Apolinario appealed to the public to report to the nearest police station any suspicious individuals and baggages left unattended. /kga