As people are expected to flock cemeteries and memorial parks early, police forces especially in Metro Manila, were ordered to set police assistance desks to ensure the safety and security of the public in the observance of the All Saint's and All Soul's Days.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar said he had already instructed unit commanders to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) for the implementation of the rules and protocols in the cemeteries and memorial parks in their respective areas of responsibility.
"We are expecting people to go to the cemeteries and memorial parks due to restrictions for Undas (All Saint's and All Soul's Days) that include closure like in Metro Manila. That is why I have already tasked our unit commanders to set up police assistance desks in the entry points to control the number of people entering and to ensure that the health protocols are observed," said Eleazar.
Last year, cemeteries and memorial parks in Metro Manila and other areas were closed during Undas due to the continuing threat of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Eleazar also directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to ensure the strict implementation of the shortened curfew hours across the metro.
Metro Manila Council head Edwin Olivarez said curfew hours would be between 12 midnight to 4 a.m., starting October 13.
The shortened curfew hours came as the number of COVID-19 infections has reportedly decreased since the implementation of the Alert Level 4 in Metro Manila.