PNP chief credits LGUs, partners for peaceful Undas

Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., yesterday thanked various local government units, partner agencies, and volunteer groups for a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints and All Souls days or Undas.

"I extend the gratitude of the national leadership to all PNP Units, partner agencies, NGOs, LGUs, and volunteers for making this happen. These best practices shall henceforth be our template in similar public safety operations for upcoming major public events," Azurin said in a statement.

He said the PNP Command Center, from the start of the long weekend until this moment, is continuously monitoring all law enforcement and public safety operations by PNP Units across the country, particularly the situation in cemeteries, memorial parks, and other places of convergence where people flocked for the traditional day of reverence for the dead.

He added that aside from minor incidents reported by different Police Regional Offices, no significant untoward incidents were monitored nationwide except for an accident that resulted in the death of a male individual due to electrocution at Eternal Peace Memorial Park, Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, and the arrest of certain Mowwamar Mama Kasan for possession of a caliber .22 revolver firearm with ammunition at Palanyag Cemetery, Barangay San Dionisio, Parañaque City.

An appropriate number of police personnel, he said, were deployed in 6,047 Public Assistance Desks in cemeteries and memorial parks, and Public Assistance Centers in land, sea, and air transportation hubs for the expected surge of travelers returning to urban centers from the long holiday.

"These police units will remain in their posts until public activity has returned to normal," he said.

Azurin added that PNP units are instructed to provide necessary security and assistance to government health, aid, and public works personnel in preparation for tropical storm "Queenie."

"We are confident that with the early preparations in coordination with LGUs, national agencies, and private organizations, we will be able to save lives and minimize the effect of the calamity," he said.