Pasay police, MMDA offer safety tips for 4-day break

Lock all doors, turn off the faucets and appliances and ask a trusted neighbor to check on your house from time to time.

These were some of the reminders issued by the Southern Police District (SPD) as people make their way to the cemeteries or head home for their provinces for All Saints’ Day.

In a text message, SPD information head Chief Inspector Jenny Tecson said that before leaving their house, people should make sure that everything is in order—doors locked, faucets shut and appliances unplugged—just to be on the safe side.

She reminded homeowners that burglars strike whenever they know a house is empty.

For people headed for the provinces, Tecson urged them to bring only what they need so that they can move about easily.

“If possible, go to transport terminals ahead of time to avoid any inconvenience,” she added.

For those headed for cemeteries, Tecson said they should leave their valuables and extra cash at home.

“Should you notice anything strange, please notify the authorities immediately,” she said, adding that police assistance desks have been set up at various cemeteries.

As for traffic, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has posted on its website the rerouting schemes being implemented in the cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Makati, Manila, Navotas, Pasay, Pasig and San Juan.

It advised motorists to check the website first before they head out to avoid being caught in heavy traffic in areas near cemeteries.

At the Araneta Center bus terminal in Quezon City, people on their way home to the provinces need not worry about the lack of buses to take them to their destination.

“There are sufficient buses and although they have to wait for a little while, they will be accommodated because we have enough buses for all

the routes…,” Ramon Legazpi, bus terminal manager, told the Inquirer.

The terminal services passengers bound for Visayas, Mindanao and the Bicol Region.—With a report from Nancy C. Carvajal