Metro cops on full alert for ‘Undas’

The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) will put Metro Manila under full alert status next week for “Undas” or All Souls’ Day.

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Alan Purisima has approved the security plan mandating all police districts in the metro to prepare for “Oplan Kaluluwa 2011.”

NCRPO spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos said that at least 5,000 police personnel will be deployed for traffic, patrol and travel security in all 17 cities and one municipality of Metro Manila.

He said Oplan Kaluluwa will follow a three-fold plan that would focus on commuters’ security before All Saints’ Day, police visibility on during the day of the dead, and the preparation for the return of commuters from provinces.

“We will guard airports, seaports and bus terminals when people start traveling to provinces.  We will put up police assistance desks on All Souls and Saints’ Days, then shift our focus on highways to guard the travelers on their way back to Metro Manila,” Carlos said.

Local governments and the Metro Manila Development Authority have also placed the reroute scheme effective Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

In Makati, a traffic rerouting plan will take effect on Oct. 31 midnight to ease the flow of traffic particularly at the vicinity of Manila South Cemetery, Makati Public Cemetery and Makati Catholic Cemetery.

The following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic from Oct. 31 midnight to Nov. 1:

Nicanor Garcia (Reposo), between J.P. Rizal Avenue and Kalayaan; Pililia, between JP Rizal Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue; JB Roxas, between JP Rizal Avenue and Kalayaan Avenue; Kakarong, between JP Rizal Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue; Montojo, between South Avenue and Zapote; Yague, between South Avenue and Zapote Street; Panama Street between South Avenue and Zapote Street; and Suez Street between South Avenue and Zapote Street.

These roads will be closed starting 5 a.m. of Oct. 31:

South Avenue between JP Rizal Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue; Kalayaan Avenue between Zapote Street and Nicanor Garcia Street; and Vito Cruz Extension between Zapote Street and South Avenue. Also at 5 a.m. on the same day, JP Rizal Street will be made two-way from Pasong Tirad to Makati Ave.

These roads will be open to motorists:

Kalayaan Avenue from Reposo Street to Salamanca Street (Northside); Nicanor Garcia Street (Reposo) from Kalayaan to Metropolitan Avenue (Westside); Metropolitan Avenue from South Avenue to Nicanor Garcia Street (Northside); Ayala Extension from Malugay Street to the driveway near Toyota Bel-Air (Eastside); Metropolitan Avenue from South Avenue Extension to Pasong Tamo (Northside); Bagtikan Street from Kamagong to Guijo Street. Inner streets of Barangays Valenzuela, Sta. Cruz, and Olympia will be manned by traffic enforcers.