This public cemetery in Olongapo City is closed to visitors during “Undas” to curb the spread of COVID-19. | Photo by Joanna Rose Aglibot
OLONGAPO CITY––The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) has deployed more than 4,000 cops in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria in the region to enforce minimum health protocols and ensure the safety of those visiting their departed loved ones.
In a statement Thursday, Oct. 28, Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, Central Luzon police director, said some policemen had been assigned to key areas beginning Oct. 23 since cemeteries are closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.
Police visibility in cemeteries would provide security when visits to the graves are allowed, De Leon said.
He said barangay peacekeeping action teams and village watchmen were deputized to patrols on residential areas, business firms, and other areas to thwart criminality.
“Police assistance desks are already set up in the entry points to control the number of people entering and to ensure that health protocols are observed,” De Leon said.