Security up for All Saints, All Souls Days

Police, transport and military officials have finalized security preparations for the annual All Saints and All Souls Day observance tomorrow and on Friday this week.

The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO-7) said random drug tests they conducted to ensure road safety for the riding public showed that 17 out of 90 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers tested positive for drug use in Cebu City.

Regional LT0-7 Director Raul Aguilos said roadside inspection on buses and passenger jeepneys are ongoing until Nov. 4 when most people are expected to return to Metro Cebu.

Aguilos said LTO personnel confiscated the licenses of the erring drivers pending further tests.

Should follow up tests show similar results, their licenses would be suspended for three to six months, he added.

Regional Director Ahmed Cuizon of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Central Visayas (LTFRB-7) called on passengers to be at the  terminal 20 to 30 minutes before departure.

He also called on passengers to report any incidents of overloading or over-charging of fares.

Similar advice was given by Capt. Anelito Gabisan of the Coast Guard Central Visayas, who urged passengers of vessels to be at the terminal three hours before departure time.

A Passengers Action Center or Help Desk is being set-up in Pier 1, he added.

In Cebu City, security cameras will be set up in its two biggest public cemeteries in barangays Calamba and Carreta.

Closed circuit TV cameras are being installed there to monitor the crowd as as part of security measures for All Souls’ and All Saints’ Days.

Senior Supt. Melvin Buenafe, Cebu City police chief, said law enforcers don’t foresee major problems in smaller cemeteries so are focusing in these two major areas.

However, police assistance desks will be set up in every cemetery in the city.

Private security guards and 250 volunteers who belong to the Barangay Peace Keeping Action Team, will help police secure the public during celebrations.

Volunteers will wear dark shirts with the name BPAT prined at the back.

They will be on the lookout for people who bring in bladed weapons, flammable chemicals,  liquor or guns, which are banned in the cemeteries.

Gambling, drunken behaviour and overloud karaoke singing will also be stopped by the police.

Chief Supt Marcelo Garbo,  Police Regional Office (PRO-7) chief, will inspect the region’s terminals, piers, and cemeteries during the two-day holidays.

In Lapu-Lapu City, about 271 police were deployed in public cemeteries and tourist spots like Mactan Shrine to enforce the ban on bladed weapons, firearms, firecrackers and alcohol.

Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, Lapu-Lapu City police chief, called on the public to avoid bringing jewelry and other valuables in congested areas.  He said he will inspect the cemeteries today and tomorrow.

Those seeking police assistance are advised to proceed to their help desk center in the cemeteries and terminals or call telephone number 341-1311.

In Mandaue City, the police are will be augmented by Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN) personnel and anti crime volunteers like the Trackers in monitoring public and private cemeteries.

The Mandaue City Fire Department is also on standby alert.  With Correspondents Jucell Marie P. Cuyos and Norman  Mendoza