‘Expect strict security measures at cemeteries’

THOSE who will visit the city cemeteries today can expect a strict scrutiny on their belongings by the police and the army at the gate before they can proceed to the grave of their love ones.

This is because the law enforcers are making sure that no intoxicating drinks, sharp or bladed instruments, loud sound systems and even pets are brought inside the cemeteries.

These will be confiscated if caught by the police.

Sr. Supt. Melvin Buenafe said more than 400 policemen and 600 Philippine Army personnel were deployed in different cemeteries in Cebu City.  Those who are assigned at the entrance carry  metal  detectors.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were also installed in the two biggest cemeteries in Cebu City – Calamba and Carreta.  The cameras, provided by a private firm, are recording round-the-clock and the wireless internet connection is provided by a private telecommunication company.

“These cemeteries are crowded. We placed two cameras at the entrance and alley in each cemetery,” Buenafe said.

On the other hand, Cebu City Intelligence Police Chief Inspector Romeo Santander said they  closely monitoring people involved in selling drugs.

“Posible nga taas ang selling sa drugs karon kay daghan man ang magparty. (It’s possible that the drug selling drugs is rampant because a lot of people want to party during the holidays),” he said.

Buenafe added they are also monitoring commercial establishments, houses and roads in Cebu City.

The police also put up assistance desks in bus terminals and sea ports. Barangay tanods who are considered force multipliers are also deployed.

Meanwhile, the members of the Cebu City Dog Pound team from the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMFare also deployed at Cebu City cemeteries to catch stray dogs that might harm the public going to the cemetery.

Yesterday, the team caught 10 dogs from Pardo and Calamba.

“These were the stray dogs that we caught from Pardo and here in Calamba but before the day ends we expect to get more after we finish checking every cemetery.” said  Vicente Cugay of DVMF./Correspondent Rhea Ruth V. Rosell with Correspondents Edison A. delos Angeles and Chito O. Aragon