MANILA, Philippines – The traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, known in the Philippines as Undas, started “generally peaceful and orderly” on Tuesday despite one reported death and several arrests, said the Philippine National Police (PNP).
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said no significant incidents were reported in the country except for minor incidents monitored by the regional police offices; the fatal electrocution of a man at the Eternal Peace Memorial Park in Mabalacat City, Pampanga; and the arrest of suspect Mowwamar Kasan whose caliber .22 revolver with two ammunition was confiscated at the entrance of Palanyag Cemetery in San Dionisio village, Parañaque City.
Despite these incidents, Azurin said in a statement on Wednesday that “the national observance of All Saints’ Day this year was generally peaceful and orderly.”
In a separate report, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) confirmed Kasan’s arrest and detailed the apprehension of suspects Danilo Conot, Leoniee Carpio, Gregorio Donor III, and John Kennedy Ibañez, who were allegedly drinking liquor inside the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City.
Conot was arrested after a .38 caliber revolver with five live ammunition was seized from him.
The NCRPO said Conot’s cohorts, meanwhile, were nabbed after they had supposedly “resisted, disobeyed legal orders, rudely insulted the responding officers, and uttered unsavory words.”
“Hindi natin alam ang pinaplano nila ngunit sigurado tayo na ang mga baril na ito ay paulit-ulit nating ipinapaalala na bawal dalhin sa loob ng ating mga sementeryo,” NCRPO chief Gen. Jonnel Estomo said.
(We don’t know what they’re planning but we made sure that we repeatedly reminded the public that firearms are not allowed inside cemeteries.)
Azurin said police forces will remain on duty to man 6,047 public assistance desks in cemeteries and memorial parks, and public assistance centers in transportation hubs as these are the expected places of convergence for the rest of the long holiday.
He also hailed the efforts of PNP units, other concerned agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, and volunteers in ensuring the peace and order of Undas this year.
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