THE PNP said the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day or Undas throughout the country was generally peaceful with no major untoward incident.
“We are happy to report that the observance of Undas across the country was generally peaceful and orderly,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told a radio interview yesterday.
“We have not recorded any major incident that would have disrupted the observance of Undas though there was a fire (that occurred) near Bagbag cemetery (in Quezon City) and other minor incidents,” added Fajardo.
Fajardo said the fire and the other “minor incidents” recorded “did not affect the overall situation in our country,” specifically about Undas.
The fire at the Bagbag cemetery in Barangay Bagbag, Quezon City last November 1 was caused by an electric fan at one of the houses, leaving dozens of informal settlers homeless and damaging a portion of “apartment tombs.”
“Yes, it’s generally peaceful nationwide and we are thankful for the cooperation of the people for their alertness, and vigilance to ensure their own security,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the PNP also thanked “force multipliers,” including security personnel from local government units, for their contributions in maintaining peace in their respective areas.
The PNP declared a nationwide heightened alert last Tuesday and deployed over 40,000 policemen at cemeteries and other vital installations to secure the observance of Undas.
Fajardo said the PNP will remain on heightened alert until today, Monday.
She said the PNP’s current focus is the security of transport terminals and major thoroughfares due to the influx of people returning to their homes after spending the holidays in the provinces.
Fajardo said the PNP continues to man police assistance desks at major cemeteries because many people have chosen to visit their dead after Undas.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente said there were no untoward incidents at various seaports throughout the country.
“The flow of passengers is continuing. The situation in our ports is orderly so far. The influx of passengers is moderate and there are enough vessels to accommodate passengers,” said Ricafrente.
The observance of Undas at Rizal province was generally peaceful, according to Col. Felipe Maraggun, Rizal provincial police office (PPO) director.
Maraggun said except for traffic, people who went to cemeteries encountered no other problems.
In Morong, Rizal, the local government designated a portion of the street leading to the public cemetery as a one-way street to prevent traffic build-up.
Army reservists were deployed outside cemeteries to augment personnel of the Rizal Police Provincial Office manning help or emergency desks. – With Christian Oineza
