Following the conclusion of the Baranggay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Philippine National Police (PNP) will remain on full alert status until after the observance of the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day or "Undas" to ensure the safety and security of cemetery-goers.
As of 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1, the PNP monitored 828,387 individuals in various memorial parks, public cemeteries, and columbaria nationwide. The number is expected to further increase throughout the day as millions of Filipinos are expected to troop to cemeteries across the country to visit their dearly departed on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.
"Well after the election, ito ang next focus natin. Alam naman natin ang mga kababayan natin during November 1 maraming magpupunta sa sementeryo (Well after the election, this is our next focus. We already know that our countrymen will flock to cemeteries on November 1)," PNP Chief, Police Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said in an interview at the Manila North Cemetery as he inspected select cemeteries in Metro Manila.
The full alert status will last until after Undas only as some of the cops deployed have been on continuous duty since the BSKE, according to the national police chief.
"Hanggang Undas lang po kawawa naman ang kapulisan, kailangan makasama rin ang pamilya. (It will be in effect until Undas only as our policemen also need to be with their families.) Most likely for tomorrow but I leave that to the discretion of our area commanders," Acorda shared.
During his inspection at the Manila North Cemetery, Acorda said he was pleased with the inspection process as only a handful of prohibited items were confiscated including lighters, cigarettes, and paints.
"I'm happy to see sa nakita natin na pagsisita. Unlike before na maraming kutsilyo at deadly weapons na nakukuha but now it appears puro lighter lang at may isang nakita tayo na pintura (I'm happy to see the inspection. Unlike before that there were so many bladed and deadly weapons being confiscated, but now it appears only lighters and one paint were there)," Acorda said.
The PNP chief said this was a sign that the public is becoming more aware of the do's and don'ts during the observance of Undas.
37K cops deployed
Following the election duty, Acorda said the PNP deployed 37,000 police personnel in 3,808 memorial parks, public cemeteries, and columbaria as well as in transportation hubs and other places of convergence to manage crowd control, traffic flow, and overall public safety.
He said that the presence of the police "aims to maintain peace and order, prevent criminal activities, and address any emergency situations promptly."
Meanwhile, Acorda said the PNP has not monitored any untoward incident or security threat related to the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day so far.
"Pero tuluy-tuloy ang monitoring natin (However, our monitoring is continuous)," he noted.
"We want everyone to be able to observe this important tradition without any concerns about their well-being. Our officers are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful environment for everyone,” he added.
'Be vigilant'
The PNP advised the public to remain vigilant in securing their homes while away and to exercise caution when visiting crowded areas.
Citizens were also encouraged to report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police officers or through the PNP hotlines.
Further, the PNP urged motorists to obey traffic rules and cooperate with authorities to maintain the flow of traffic and prevent congestion.
“The PNP would like to remind the public that safety is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can guarantee a peaceful and secure Undas observance for everyone,” Acorda said.
Army joins candle-lighting at LNMB
At the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, the Philippine Army (PA) participated in a synchronized candle-lighting activity with the Fort Bonifacio National High School (FBNHS) Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of the Philippines on Oct. 31.
"The synchronized lighting of candles was observed to pay tribute to a life 'well-lived' by the soldiers, heroes, national artists and scientists, and former Philippine presidents of the country," Army spokesperson and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said.
Thousands in ports
The Philippine Coast Guard monitored 15,112 outbound passengers and 14,576 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide, many of them chasing last-minute trips to their provinces for Undas.
"The PCG has placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert from October 25 to November 6 to manage the influx of port passengers," the PCG said.
After the Undas, security measures are expected to be stricter to ensure the safety of the traveling public heading back to their homes.