PNP on full alert for ‘Undas’ despite no terror threat monitored

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now on full alert status to ensure the security of the public for “Undas” or All Saints’ Day, even as the police force has not monitored any possible terror threat for the season, said Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, officer-in-charge of the PNP.

“Effective today, I am placing the entire Philippine National Police on full alert to ensure the availability of all personnel and resources for law enforcement and public safety operations ahead of the traditional All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holiday this coming weekend,” Gamboa said in a press briefing Monday.

Unde the full alert status, all leaves of PNP personnel are canceled to guarantee their presence as law enforcers.

“In general, there are no terroristic threats as of yet but the PNP is prepared for that,” said Gamboa.

According to Gamboa, over 35,000 police officers will be fielded from different regional offices and national support units to secure the public for Undas, when an estimated 15 million Filipinos are expected to flock to 4,677 cemeteries and memorial parks, and 76 columbaria around the country.

Another 99,000 force multipliers from local government units, civic action groups, and civilian volunteer organizations will also man police assistance centers to provide road assistance and other public safety services, said Gamboa.

Meanwhile, security measures will also be laid out in 83 airports and domestic air terminals, 333 seaports, 808 inland bus terminals, and 59 train stations nationwide.

“The key element in this security operation is police visibility, considering both its crime deterrent and reassuring effect on the public. This is the general guidance to all police regional offices and national support units,” Gamboa said.

He added he had ordered all police units to always remain visible along travel routes, transport terminals, public cemeteries, and other public places.

He said the PNP will also inspect transportation terminals to assess the readiness of police units.

“But even as these security and public safety efforts get underway, aggressive anti-illegal drugs operations will continue without let-up against possible pot sessions and drug trafficking activities in public cemeteries and memorial parks this weekend,” Gamboa concluded. /je