INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — At least 11,666 police officers, support staff, and force multipliers will be deployed within Metro Manila to secure areas of convergence during the commemoration of All Souls’ Day, as the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) expects bigger crowds this year.
The NCRPO, in a statement on Friday, said that the police force believes more people would be going outside of their homes this year following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Aside from the Filipino Catholics’ commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which prompts many people to go to cemeteries and memorial parks — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of October 31 as a special non-working holiday lengthens vacation time for many people.
Acting NCRPO regional director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo reminded the public to take necessary precautions and avoid bringing children with them to cemeteries, especially with the threat of Tropical Storm Paeng looming.
“Unang-una gusto ko pong paalalahanan ang atin pong mga kababayan lalong lalo na po ngayon na umuulan na kung maaari ay mag-ingat sa pagdadala ng ating mga maliliit na anak sa pagbisita po sa sementeryo dahil tayo po ay nasa panahon pa rin ng pandemya,” Estomo said.
(First of all, I want to remind the public, especially now that we are experiencing heavy rains, to take caution when bringing their children to cemeteries because we are still living amid a pandemic.)
“Iwasan na rin po nating dalhin ang mga ipinagbabawal na mga bagay sa loob ng sementeryo gaya ng alak, matatalas na bagay, malalakas na patugtog, paputok, gamit pangsugal at iba pa upang hindi na po kayo maabala pa sa inyong pagbisita sa inyong mga yumaong mahal sa buhay,” he added.
(Let us also avoid bringing banned items inside cemeteries like liquor, sharp objects, loud musical instruments, firecrackers, items for gambling, and other prohibited materials so you would not be inconvenienced when visiting your departed loved ones.)
Of the 11,666 personnel deployed in 128 cemeteries, columbaria and memorial park, 32 major thoroughfares, 133 transportation hubs, and 142 other places of convergence, 1,805 are uniformed officers from augmentation units.
These would come from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
There are also 5,492 individuals from advocacy groups and force multipliers who would back police officers.
Estomo appealed to the public to commemorate the holidays peacefully.
“Let us commemorate our deceased loved ones, and be with them on their graves solemnly para maidaos po natin ang UNDAS ng maayos at payapa. Sundin lang po natin ang mga alituntuning inilatag ng ating pamahalaan upang wala po tayong maging problema,” he said.
(Let us commemorate our deceased loved ones and be solemn with them on their graves so we can hold All Souls’ Day properly and peacefully. Let us follow the rules set by our government so that we will not have any problem.)
“Makakaasa din po kayong buong pwersa po kaming magbabantay at magbibigay seguridad sa lahat ng sementeryo at kolumbaryo upang masiguro ang inyong kaligtasan,” he added.
(You can also expect that the entire force of the NCRPO would continuously monitor the situation and provide security within cemeteries and columbariums for your safety.)
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