Close to 10,000 policemen will be deployed to secure different areas in Metro Manila, particularly the 99 cemeteries, during the long “Undas” weekend from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2.
A joint task force of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other agencies has been created by the government to ensure peace and order during the observation of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
At a press briefing at Camp Crame on Wednesday, Chief Insp. Kimberly Molitas, spokesperson of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the NCRPO would deploy 9,533 police personnel starting Saturday to secure cemeteries, bus terminals, airports and seaports, churches and places of worship, tourist destinations, vital installations and places of convergence.
The PNP had maintained its full alert status since the country was placed under state of lawlessness following the deadly blast in Davao City that killed 15 individuals and hurt 60 others.
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NCRPO head Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde also ordered all police commanders to intensify their intelligence and counter-intelligence operations to preempt any act of criminality or terrorist activities.
PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa earlier said Abu Sayyaf bandits had been traveling from one province to another, even reaching Metro Manila, as the police received intelligence information that six members of the terrorist group went to Cebu from Zamboanga.
Molitas, however, said the police had not monitored any terror threats so far.
“Maayos naman po ang ating seguridad sa Metro Manila. However, we are not discounting that aspect. We have our explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) experts, K9 units and special weapons and tactics teams who will be with us during the Undas observation,” Molitas said.
Road safety marshals will be deployed along the routes to and from cemeteries and other areas of convergence to provide immediate police and security assistance to public. Beat patrolers and EOD experts will also be deployed to secure key areas such as financial institutions, among other places, and preempt any terror threats.
Albayalde also emphasized the strict implementation and monitoring of the prohibition of bladed weapons, flammable materials, liquors, wine and other alcoholic beverages, gardening tools, deadly buckles, loud speakers and gaming cards inside the cemeteries.
He also reminded those who would be traveling to the provinces to secure their respective homes, unplug electrical appliances and make sure that all points of entry were locked.
Motorists traveling to the provinces are also reminded to check the condition of their “blowbagets” (battery, light, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, engine, tire and self) before going on a trip.
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