FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Around 192,000 police officers will remain on duty for the nation’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, known in the Philippines as Undas.
In addition to deploying personnel, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Monday that 5,784 police help desks had been put up in more than 4,769 public cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria around the country.
“Let me reiterate the gentle reminder to the public to please be mindful of existing laws and local ordinances that explicitly prohibit certain activities in public cemeteries and memorial parks, as well as the possession of prohibited items inside these places,” PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said.
Millions of Filipinos will visit graves and columbaria from October 31 until November 2 for Undas, thanks to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions around the country.
READ: Undas 2022: What to keep in mind when joining crowds in cemeteries, columbaria
Azurin said the public has been repeatedly told to refrain from bringing illegal and intoxicating substances, gambling materials, and loud audio-visual devices in public cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria.
Motorists who will need police assistance in case of any emergency can call the National Emergency Hotline 117 or immediately contact the police assistance centers stationed along national highways and major roads.
“The PNP will stay focused to ensure order and security on this national holiday even as we remain preoccupied with post-disaster response operations in the aftermath of severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) that wreaked havoc in many parts of the country over the weekend,” he added.
At least 1.95 million Filipinos were affected by Paeng’s wrath, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Its latest situational report on Monday morning showed the death toll from Paeng has risen to 98. – Irish Perez, trainee