Metro Manila cops on full alert from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5

Metro Manila police will be on full alert starting today, Oct. 31, in preparation for the exodus of people headed for the provinces for All Saints’ Day.

Under full alert status, policemen are prohibited from going on leave while those already on leave may be recalled should the need arise. The alert status is expected to be in effect until the morning of Nov. 5.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Director Guillermo Eleazar, has deployed 3,500 policemen during this period, with millions of people expected to visit cemeteries in Metro Manila or in their home provinces to pay their respects to departed loved ones.

Under “Ligtas Undas,” the policemen will be stationed at Metro Manila’s 78 cemeteries, 38 columbaria, 82 bus terminals, 69 train stations and four airport terminals, among others.

They will be further reinforced by members of the Armed Forces, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Bureau of Fire Protection and other volunteer groups.

At least 13,000 additional police personnel and force multipliers—village peacekeepers, security guards and others—have also been pledged by Metro Manila’s five police districts.

To safeguard bus passengers bound for the provinces, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has started conducting surprise drug tests for workers in bus terminals nationwide.

Drug tests for bus personnel

On Monday, PDEA agents subjected 160 drivers and conductors to “Undaspot” drug screening at bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City.

PDEA spokesperson Director Derrick Carreon said two drivers—one working for Elavil bus company and another for Bicol Isarog—tested positive for “shabu.”

Results of the drug tests would be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for action, Carreon said.

The drug tests are also mandatory, with the names of those refusing to comply to be forwarded to the LTO, he warned. —With a report from Jaymee T. Gamil