Ready for Nov. 1, 2
LGUS, POLICE, HOSPITALS ON ALERT
The Department of Health has ordered all hospitals in the province to be in full alert for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
DOH-7 medical officer, Dr. Shelbay Blanco, told The FREEMAN that all private and government-run medical facilities are on "code white alert," which means that hospital manpower must be ready to respond to emergency situations.
"(DOH-7 declared) code white alert for hospitals from October 31 to November 2. (They should be in) high alert status for any untoward incident that may take place during those days," Blanco said, the cluster head of DOH-7's Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS).
He said a skeletal workforce is set to manage HEMS during the holidays.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 has started inspecting public utility vehicles to determine if they are suitable for long travels and adherent to the agency's guidelines and regulations.
In the past, "colorum" or unauthorized vehicle operators take advantage of holidays because of the influx of passengers.
LTO-7 Chief of Operations Joel Maloloyon said violators will penalties, if not arrest.
LTO is working closely with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board-7 that can issue special permits during peak travels so that vehicles with fewer passengers may be allowed to take routes that are mostly taken.
SECURITY
In Cebu City, at least 1,000 cops, force multipliers, tanods, and other volunteers will guard the city's cemeteries, ports, and terminals.
Another 600 will be deployed to cemeteries in Cebu Province.
Police Supt. David Señor, chief of operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said more policemen will be deployed to big cemeteries in Cebu City, including Calamba, Carreta, and Cempark.
Public assistance desks will also be put up at terminals and cemeteries.
"Ready na kaayo ta for kalag-kalag," Señor said.
The city police have also coordinated with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) for medical assistance.
CCDRRMO Head Nagiel Bañacia said at least 48 personnel from the quick response team (QRT) will help law enforcers.
Councilor David Tumulak, chair of the City Council's committee on public order and safety, also said, "Atoa sad emergency responders like fire trucks and ambulances are now in place."
On the part of the Cebu City Transportation Office, at least 290 traffic enforcers will man the streets near cemeteries to control traffic with the expected influx of thousands of visitors.
Traffic group chief Francisco Ouano asked those who will be bringing vehicles to park only at designated parking areas.
"Pahimangno lang nako nga dili magpataka og parking aron dili maka-cause og traffic kay amo gyud na sila i-tow," Ouano said.
Señor, meanwhile, reminded the public to lock their homes, if not leave the house with someone, when they go to cemeteries.
"Ang panimalay, di gyud pabiyaan nila. I-padlock gyud og maayo kay kasagaran, inig petsa 30, dagkot na sila unya pagkahuman kay magbakasyon man dayon. I-secure sa ilang balay before sila molakaw og layo," Señor said.
TALISAY
In Talisay, streets going to the five cemeteries will have one way traffic on November 1 and 2.
The streets that will be affected include Tres Aliños Street, Portion of P. Burgos Street, P. Del Rosario Street, and General Luna Street in Barangay Poblacion.
Those heading to the cemetery in Barangay Cansojong and Tanke are advised to use Maglasang Street before turning left to the South Road Properties.
Meanwhile, those going to the Cebu Memorial Garden in Barangay Mohon are advised to use Congressman Bacaltos Street and turn right to F. Bas Street.
Almond Dela Peña, head of the city's traffic operations development authority, said vehicles will not be allowed to enter at least 30 meters before the cemetery's entrance.
The three public cemeteries are located in Barangays Poblacion, Cansojong, and Tanke.
On November 1 and 2, private vehicles going to the Poblacion Public Cemetery will be allowed to park at a vacant lot located at Miramar Street, a few meters away from the cemetery.
Two private cemeteries, the Cebu South Memorial Garden in Barangay Mohon and Evergreen Cemetery in Barangay San Roque, are located at the SRP.
LAPU-LAPU
In Lapu-Lapu, alcohol and playing of loud music will be prohibited during the observance of All Saints' and All Souls' Days.
"We would like to have it solemn," said Mayor Paz Radaza.
At least four cemeteries are located in the city proper and one other is located in Olango Island.
Supt. Elmer Lim, deputy city director for operations of the LapuLapu City Police Office, said at least 314 cops will be securing churches and cemeteries starting today until November 2.
Vital installations such as the oil depot, airport, bridge, critical structures, electrical power, wharfs, and terminals will also be secured.
Contrabands and gambling will not be allowed in the cemeteries and strict inspection will be implemented at cemetery entrances.
MANDAUE
The Bantay Mandaue Command Center and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), as well as personnel from Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), will secure the city's eight cemeteries.
Suico said the command center will respond to emergency situations in coordination with MCPO.
Personnel from CENRO will oversee the cleanliness and will issue citation tickets to those who will be caught littering the streets and inside cemeteries.
Suico also urged those going to cemeteries not to bring items prohibited by law and refrain from playing loud music.
“Atong panawagan sa katwhan nga magbantay lang gyud sa ilang kaugalingon aron dili sila ma biktima sa mga dautang elemento,” Suico said.
Aside from policemen, K9 units will also patrol cemeteries for two days.