Police implemented security measures as Bulakenyos trooped early morning to cemeteries on Friday, November 1, in observance of All Saints’ Day.
Police Director Col. Satur L. Ediong deployed almost a thousand police personnel in cemeteries and transport terminals round-the-clock in the province of Bulacan until November 4.
He said motorist assistance centers with road safety marshals at major thoroughfares and secondary roads in the region were also established to guarantee public safety and security during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
He also directed the city and municipal police chiefs in the province to sustain the level of alertness and vigilance in all places of convergence, including churches to ensure that the public is safe and secure.
Earlier, Brig. Gen. Redrico A. Maranan, Central Luzon police regional director, also inspected the cemeteries and transport terminals.
Maranan strictly instructed the Region 3 policemen to maintain order and security during Undas.
He also reminded those who will visit the graves of their deceased loved ones to follow the rules of the cemetery and not to bring prohibited equipment.
Meanwhile, the owner of a mausoleum in St. James Memorial Park in Barangay Poblacion, Plaridel, Bulacan was disappointed when his family found it open on Thursday, Oct 31, with several boxes scattered inside. The owner immediately reported to barangay officials nearby.
Based on the investigation, the perpetrators sawed the entrance gate and then broke the lock of the gate inside until they got in.
A candle box, decorative mini figurines all from Japan, and the gold-plated tombstone letters were also stolen. More or less P10,000 amount of things were carted away. The unidentified suspects were at large as of press time.
People whose deceased loved ones are still in flooded cemetery were advised by the Provincial Health Officers to just light candles at home to avoid foot diseases such as ringworm and the deadly leptospirosis.