Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), tasked all chiefs of police and unit commanders Friday, Oct. 29, to ensure the deployment of a sufficient number of personnel to terminals and ports to secure the anticipated public exodus to the provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Amid the prevailing threats of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, Eleazar said that many Filipinos are still expected to go to their provinces to visit their dearly departed loved ones for the traditional "Undas" observance on Nov. 1 and 2.
"Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang tiyak na hahabol ng biyahe ngayong Biyernes hanggang Linggo para makauwi sa kanilang mga probinsiya. Inatasan ko na ang kapulisan na maging mapagmatyag para tiyaking maayos ang sitwasyon sa mga terminal, mga pantalan at paliparan ngayong marami ang bibiyahe at uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsiya (Many of our countrymen will avail of last minute trips this Friday unitl Sunday to go to their provinces. I tasked the police force to be vigilant to keep the peace and order in terminals, seaports, and airports now that many travelers will be traveling back to the provinces)," Eleazar said.
The PNP Chief stressed the importance of the observance of health and safety protocols in ports and terminals to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He also reminded the public to be ready with the necessary documents for their trips as local government units (LGUs) implement different policies for arriving travelers to ensure that their communities will be free from COVID-19 infection.
"Bago tayo bumiyahe, alamin natin ang mga requirements sa lugar na inyong pupuntahan lalo na't iba-iba ang panuntunan sa mga probinsiya at munisipalidad. Ito ay para makaiwas tayo sa aberya at pagkaabala (Before we go on a trip, know the requirements in your area of destination especially since provinces and municipalities have different policies. This is to avoid inconvenience on your part)," Eleazar said.
Meanwhile, Eleazar advised the public not to insist on pushing through with their plans to visit cemeteries, memorial parks, or columbariums since these areas have been ordered closed by the national government until November 2 to prevent the possible spread of COVID-19.