THE PNP will go on full alert status to ensure the safety of the people during the celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr said yesterday.
In a press conference at the police national headquarters at Camp Crame, Azurin said the PNP has started “making early mobilization and preparations” ahead of the event.
“The entire Philippine National Police will go on full alert status to ensure the availability of police personnel and resources for public safety and security operations for this forthcoming four-day holiday,” said Azurin.
Azurin did not say when the police force will begin observing the highest state of alertness but PNP public information office chief Col. Redrico Maranan said this may start this Friday.
“The general guidance by the national headquarters is for all police regional offices and units to maintain presence and vigilance in securing the motorists and commuters who are expected to travel to the provinces to be with their loved ones,” said Azurin.
Azurin said police units should maintain “high presence at all times” along travel routes, transport terminals, cemeteries and places of convergence.
As to the number of policemen to be deployed, Azurin said: “Generally, we deploy 85 percent of the strength of every (police) office. In the case of NCR (National Capital Region Police Office), they have 30,000 personnel. Eighty-five percent of that is more or less 25,000 to 26,000.”
Azurin said the PNP has not monitored any plan to disrupt the celebration of Undas.
“So far, there is no critical intelligence information,” he said.
During the Laging Handa public briefing, Maranan said: “As of now, the PNP has not received any serious threat. However, we will always be on alert and prepared if there will be any.”
Maranan said the PNP commanders have started coordinating with local government units and force multipliers last week to ensure security during Undas.
“The PNP is very ready when it comes to the upcoming Undas,” he said.
Maranan said the PNP is expecting an influx of people going to cemeteries and columbaria, mainly due to relaxed COVID-19 health protocols.
Azurin reminded the public to “take necessary precaution” when leaving their residences during the long weekend.
“Travelling homeowners are encouraged to coordinate with their barangay or neighborhood authorities for special security arrangements,” he said.
The San Juan government said cemeteries in the city will be open to the public without much restrictions, except for the wearing of face masks if crowd capacity reaches 50%. — Christian Oineza
