All hands on deck for safe Undas

Security is paramount during this year's nationwide commemoration of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, commonly known as Undas.

The Philippine National Police has reassured the public that they are fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of everyone during this period. This commitment comes despite the recent task of securing the recently concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

"As the nation honors their departed loved ones, the PNP remains vigilant, prepared, and dedicated to maintaining peace and order in various key locations across the country," said Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP acting public affairs office chief.

The PNP, she said, has implemented comprehensive plans for crowd control, traffic flow and overall public safety.

"Working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and force multipliers, 27,161 personnel will be deployed to key locations, including 3,808 memorial parks, public cemeteries, and columbaria. Their presence is aimed at maintaining peace and order, preventing criminal activities, and addressing emergency situations promptly," Fajardo said.

PNP chief, Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., said the safety and security of citizens, especially during occasions when large numbers of people gather, was important.

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos urged the public to observe Undas with solemnity and mark it as a day for remembering and praying for their departed loved ones.

He reminded the public to observe established rules prohibiting the bringing of deadly weapons and intoxicating drinks, gambling, playing loud music, smoking or vaping, and staying overnight in the cemeteries.

As a precaution, Abalos advised the public to get the phone numbers of the local public assistance desks so they could immediately call for help in case of emergencies.

In the National Capital Region, thousands of Filipinos trooped to cemeteries in Pasig, Marikina, Mandaluyong and San Juan on All Saints' Day.

The Eastern Police District, which deployed around 1,800 police personnel to the cemeteries, had not recorded any untoward incidents in these and other cemeteries in these cities.

EPD District Director, Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta, reminded cemetery visitors not to bring prohibited items like deadly weapons and liquor as these would be confiscated.

At the Pasig City Cemetery, authorities confiscated 72 banned items such as lighters, vapes, cigarettes and kitchen knives.

The Philippine Coast Guard monitored 34,592 outbound and 30,158 inbound passengers at all ports nationwide as of 1 November.

The PCG deployed 3,387 frontline personnel in 15 Coast Guard districts and inspected 353 vessels and 740 motor bancas entering and leaving the ports.

The Department of Transportation activated "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos" to intensify security and monitoring in transportation hubs nationwide on All Saints' Day.

The public was advised to contact Coast Guard Public Affairs (0927-560-7729) or coordinate with the PCG via its official Facebook page for any inquiries, concerns, or clarifications regarding sea travel protocols and regulations during Undas observance.

WITH LADE JEAN KABAGANI