Gov’t ready for exodus from provinces to metro

Gov’t ready for exodus from provinces to metro | Daily Tribune

Coming off the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections last 30 October, the commemoration of Undas 2023 — All Saints' Day on Wednesday and All Souls' Day on Thursday — was "generally peaceful," Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos declared yesterday.

The BSKE itself, even though 19 people were killed on election day, had been declared a success by Abalos and other government officials previously. Eight other people were killed during the campaign period.

For Undas, Abalos said about three million Filipinos trooped to cemeteries across the nation on 1 and 2 November to pay their respect to departed loved ones, taking advantage of a long holiday.

Abalos commended the Philippine National Police and local government units for ensuring public safety during Undas, coming as it did just after the BSKE last Monday.

He said no serious incidents were reported during the two days although a drunk man was able to take the firearm of a policeman in a cemetery in Parañaque City, resulting in a shootout.

The policeman and the suspect were both hurt in the incident that was caught on a video that has gone viral.

"Kudos to the PNP and LGUs for safeguarding Filipino voters as they exercised their right to suffrage during the BSKE and ensuring a peaceful and orderly observance of Undas," Abalos said.

"I extend the gratitude of the national leadership to all PNP regional offices and units, partner agencies, non-government organizations, and volunteers for making this happen," he added.

In Quezon City, P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said they prepared long and hard to ensure the safety of people who visited six cemeteries and 27 columbaria in the city.

Maranan said the Quezon City Police District, which he heads, deployed 158 cops to the six cemeteries and 119 personnel to the columbaria.

In addition, 52 personnel were deployed to bus terminals, 54 to MRT/LRT stations, 232 to places of convergence, 182 to major thoroughfares, and 1,067 all over the city for anti-criminality operations.

In all, 3,864 QCPD members were deployed from 27 October to 2 November, Maranan said, thanking force multipliers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Bureau of Fire Protection for their help.

He said they are now focused on ensuring the safety of people returning to the city from the provinces following the extended holiday.

"Our police assistance desks remain in bus terminals and MRT/LRT stations to assist the public and ensure their safety," he said.