The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be deploying almost 19,000 policemen to help secure the observation of All Saints’ and All Souls Days across the country.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the deployment of a total of 18,802 policemen comes with an instruction for local police commanders to set up police assistance desks (PADS) near cemeteries, columbaria, memorial parks and other areas where the people usually go to observe the “Undas”.
But Fajardo said the authority to decide on the security alert status of certain areas is left to the local police commanders, particularly the regional directors.
“Normally in this kind of major events, the field commanders are given the discretion to adjust the alert levels depending on the situation on the ground and based on their assessment,” said Fajardo
Fajardo said that since policemen in some areas seriously affected by tropical storm “Kristine” are busy in disaster response, police forces in other areas could augment the security implementation.
Among the areas severely affected by “Kristine” were Bicol Region, Batangas, Laguna, Cavite, Quezon and some parts of central and northern Luzon.
Aside from churches and cemeteries, Fajardo said police forces across the country were instructed to secure bus terminals, airports and seaports for the expected influx of travelers going to their hometowns.
She said the deployment of policemen in transportation hubs will start before Oct. 31, which Malacañang declared as half day for government employees to give way to their planned travel to their hometowns.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will reactivate its “Lakbay Alalay” roadside assistance program to address the expected surge of motorists along key routes for this year’s observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
Lakbay Alalay will operate from 8 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, to maintain smooth traffic flow on national highways as large volumes of vehicles are anticipated during the "Undas" period.
“Given the anticipated influx of motorists for Undas 2024, we are mobilizing our Lakbay Alalay Motorists Assistance Stations to provide prompt and reliable assistance to the traveling public,” DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan said.
Bonoan said the Lakbay Alalay Teams will comprise uniformed personnel working in shifts at designated assistance stations, ensuring continuous support for drivers.
In preparation for the program, DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices have been conducting routine maintenance on national roads, particularly those leading to cemeteries and churches, including inspections of road conditions and the readiness of maintenance tools.
Project offices along major routes have also been instructed to adjust their schedules to minimize disruptions during this peak travel period, which includes the timely installation of road safety signage and traffic advisories aimed at preventing congestion and accidents. (with reprots from Trixee Rosel)