TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas announced on Wednesday that it is still on high alert until after the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in the region.

Police Regional Office 8 regional director P/Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid disclosed that around 80 percent of the police force that were deployed in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections will remain in their respective assignments until 2 November.

He added only the personnel from the regional headquarters that were assigned in the Regional Standby Support Force were recalled and directed to report to their respective office to perform regular police duties.

"Regardless of the successful turnout of the elections, there will be no let-up, our efforts will continue for the safety and security of the general public," said Pawid, adding that 4,598 PNP personnel were deployed to secure all of the 369 cemeteries and memorial parks in the region where a total of 392 Police Assistance Desks were set-up.

"We give the public our commitment and assurance that they can rely on the PNP and partner agencies to continue to provide security throughout all of these significant events in Eastern Visayas," Pawid said.

He also personally visited and inspected the mass grave at Holy Cross Memorial Gardens in Tacloban City and the San Joaquin Mass Grave and Palo Public Cemetery in Palo, Leyte early morning on 1 November.

Pawid said that the PRO-8 is also preparing the security protocol for the 10th year commemoration of "Yolanda" on 8 November where an operation plan has already been laid out.