By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The Manila Police District (MPD) will deploy more than 1,000 policemen to the city's cemeteries during the observance of "Undas" (All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day) and has started conducting bicycle patrols in these cemeteries on Friday, Oct. 14.
MPD Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon led the bicycle patrol in the city's cemeteries, as well as in schools, colleges and universities in the University Belt under the programs "Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan, and Kaunlaran" (MKK=K) supported by the initiatives of Seen, Appreciated and Felt by the people through Extraordinary actions (SAFE) of the National Capital Region Police Office.
He said early bicycle patrolling is a regular morning activity being conducted by the MPD to maximize police visibility in the city.
Dizon urged the public visiting the cemeteries during Undas to check the regulations that will be implemented this year.
Manila City Mayor Honey Lacuna has issued guidelines that should be observed in the city's cemeteries during Undas.
The main gates of the Manila North and Manila South cemeteries will be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Saturday, Oct. 29, to Wednesday, Nov. 2.
The MPD said it will strictly monitor the expected surge of people to the cemeteries to ensure that the minimum public health standards will be followed.