CAMP DANGWA, Benguet – BGen. Mafelino Bazar, regional director of the Police Regional Office-Cordillera, announced that more police officers will be deployed to ensure the safety and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day.
Bazar said, the PROCOR will be deploying a total of 623 police officers to patrol the 200 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbarium in the region.
“Since we are also expecting an influx of tourists because of the long weekend, we will be deploying another 833 police officers to patrol the malls, markets, commercial areas, parks and community centers, and major tourist destinations in the Cordillera," added Bazar.
He advises the public to follow the schedule of visits in cemeteries, especially in the public cemeteries to adhere to the minimum public health standards on COVID-19 that must be observed at all times.
The management of private cemeteries is also encouraged to implement their health protocols in coordination with their local health office.
This Undas season is the first with relaxed mask mandates, with President Marcos Jr. issuing Executive Order No.3 which made the wearing of a face mask outdoor optional.
Bazar instructed the different station commanders to conduct joint foot and mobile patrols with force multipliers to prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of unattended residences.
In addition, PROCOR will be mobilizing police officers from Regional Support Units for police visibility and crime prevention operations in transportation hubs, bus terminals, and mass transportation facilities, as well as along major access roads where Philippine National Police units will man Police Assistance Desks (PADs) to assist motorist and traveling tourists.
The police advise motorists who will embark on a long drive to the provinces, if possible, to travel in a convoy with other family members or friends; ensure proper operating condition and roadworthiness of their vehicle, and have a contingency or backup plans.