PNP readies ‘full alert’ for Undas 2022; PCG now on ‘heightened alert’
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing to go on full alert from this weekend through the nation’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.
In Monday’s press briefing, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said all its offices, stations, and units had been ordered to remain visible in critical areas, as many people are expected to make use of the long weekend for leisure and family visits.
“The Philippine National Police is making early mobilization and preparation ahead of the traditional All Saints’ Day holiday that will be observed this year with a long weekend leading to November 1st,” Azurin said.
He also said the PNP would be on high alert for the forthcoming four-day holiday, ensuring police officers and other resources for public safety and security.
Te National Headquarters encourages all police regional offices and units to be visible and vigilant to protect motorists and commuters visiting families in the provinces.
READ: LIST: LGUs’ safety, health protocols for Undas 2022
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it is on “heightened alert” starting Monday until November 3 for “Undas.”
Coast Guard Admiral Artemio Abu said the country’s tourist spots will see an increase in port passengers this long weekend.
“Our PCG Districts conduct 24/7 operations to monitor nautical highways routes, especially in the Visayas where the majority of tourist destinations are situated,” he said in a statement.
His orders included protecting the waters along the western and eastern coasts and inter-island passages. PCG Auxiliary deployable response groups (DRGs) support these efforts.
Western seaboard monitoring includes Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Aklan, Iloilo, and Zamboanga; eastern seaboard monitoring includes Metro Manila, Bicol area, Samar, Leyte, and Surigao.
“We have maritime safety inspectors in port terminals, law enforcement teams in strategic locations, maritime patrol teams in critical vicinity waters, and DRGs on standby for possible search and rescue missions during maritime incidents or emergencies,” the PCG commandant stressed.
The Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) have strengthened PCG operations, especially in conducting vessel safety and security inspections.
Additionally, PCG units patrol tourist destinations and port terminals.
“We encourage our port passengers and tourists to remain vigilant during their trip and to report to authorities any suspicious baggage or person for immediate action,” Abu said
The 1st and 2nd of November are non-working holidays. These dates fall on Tuesday and Wednesday this year.
To allow Filipinos to spend more time with their families and boost local tourism, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Proclamation No. 79 last week.
No threat to public safety so far
Azurin said the PNP has not yet monitored any threats to public safety with the upcoming long break.
In a light moment, he joked that if anyone knew any, let him know. Seriously, he said that they have no critical intelligence, but the public should remain vigilant.
During the Laging Handa press briefing also on Monday, PNP spokesman Col. Redrico Maranan said the same:
“Hanggang ngayon po ay wala pang natatanggap na seryosong banta ang ating kapulisan subalit lagi po kaming naka-alerto at naka-handa kung sakaling mayroon man” Chief PIO Maranan said in a public briefing.
(Our police force has not received any serious threats as of yet, but we are on alert in case one arises.)
He further said that 17,000 police officers would be deployed across Metro Manila alone during the Undas season. He explained that police officers would be stationed at cemeteries, public transport facilities, including bus and pier terminals as well as airports, among other places of convergence.
“Sa Metro Manila po ‘yung 17,000 na pulis po natin ay full force po ‘yan. Although doon sa mga sementeryo ay specific po magkakaroon ng deployment diyan,” Maranan said.
(In Metro Manila, the 17,000 deployed police officers are at full force. Although there will be specific deployment for cemeteries.)
He added that the PNP had coordinated with local government units and other government agencies for voluntary public safety assistance.
“‘Yung ating mga sementeryo, places of convergence ay sisiguraduhin nating may mga police assistance desk. ‘Yung mga kalsada patungo doon sa mga pupuntahan nila ay lalagyan natin ng tinatawag nating Motorize Assistance Center so high police visibility ang ating programa,” Manaran said.
(We will make sure that our cemeteries and places of convergence will have a police assistance desk. We will place a Motorize
–Alyssa Joy Quevedo and Trisha Manalaysay, interns
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