A total of 1,534 uniformed personnel and civilian volunteers will be deployed across Negros Oriental from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 to ensure public safety during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar, spokesperson and public information officer of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, said during an online press briefing Tuesday that the deployment would include 994 Philippine National Police personnel, 134 from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine Coast Guard, and 406 force multipliers.
The force multipliers include civilian volunteers, barangay tanods and barangay officials. The Philippine Army, Land Transportation Office and other law enforcement units will also deploy personnel to support the security operations.
“The police will be on full alert during this time and we are coordinating closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of people visiting the cemeteries and other places of convergence,” Polinar said.
He said authorities expect an influx of people returning to the province starting Friday to visit the graves of their departed loved ones ahead of the Nov. 1 and 2 observances.
Assistance desks will be established in cemeteries, churches, airports, seaports, malls, bus terminals, beaches, resorts and accommodation establishments to provide assistance to the public.
Security measures will include the deployment of bomb-sniffing dogs, establishment of checkpoints and the preparation of a Reactionary Standby Support Force to augment police stations that may require additional personnel.
Polinar also reminded the public to observe restrictions on bringing firearms and bladed weapons in designated areas, as well as the prohibition on playing loud music in cemeteries.
Authorities are urging the public to cooperate with security personnel and follow established guidelines to ensure a safe and orderly Undas observance. (PNA)
