PNP assures: Security in place prior to surge of travelers during ‘Undas’ 

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa leads the police force in inspecting bus terminals in Cubao. INQUIRER.net photo / Gabriel Pabico Lalu

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized security personnel in places where travelers are expected to converge even before the influx happens during the All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day break.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said after inspecting the Cubao bus stations in Quezon City on Tuesday that they are anticipating people to flock to various transport terminals on Thursday because Friday, November 1, is a holiday.

“We have secured different areas of convergence especially for the travelers here at the bus stations and then in airports because we expect a lot of people probably on Thursday, because Friday is a holiday,” Gamboa said in an ambush interview.

“Of course later this weekend people would then go to the cemeteries.  So, these are the places where we placed the police, along with force multipliers to help people encountering health problems, traffic, and other problems,” he added.

Gamboa reiterated that they have not monitored any threat that may disrupt this year’s holidays, although he insisted that the PNP is well-prepared to handle any untoward incident

He also said that no possible movement from Islamic State (IS) sympathizers has been observed, even after the United States announced the death of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“As of yet we have not monitored any terrorist threat.  That’s what we are always watching for, but our intelligence gathering is continuous,” Gamboa explained.  “At the first instance that we receive threats then we will beef up our preparations but in any case we are prepared for any eventuality.”

“There is a possibility of retaliation just like any other ordinary incident but we are in control of the situation,” he assured.

Earlier, Gamboa, PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, and National Capital Region Police Office acting director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas checked the security measures at the Cubao transport terminals.

He also reminded the public, especially those who would be leaving their houses, to refrain from posting information on social media regarding their trips as criminals may get an idea on the proper timing to rob their houses.

“We want to remind the public that of course, a lot of people take advantage of the situation, be very conscious about the security aspect especially if you would leave your house, do not post on Facebook where you are as they may know that no one is at home,” Gamboa noted.

“Try to talk to your neighbors if you cannot avoid leaving your house.  Also, a lot of people will take advantage in cemeteries and bus stations like this, so take care of your belongings,” he added. /jpv

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