135,000 security forces ready for Undas 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday that it will deploy a total of 135,334 police personnel and force multipliers next week in preparation for Undas 2019 where millions of Filipinos are expected to visit their dearly departed in various cemeteries nationwide.

Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said 35,618 cops will be sent to cemeteries, terminals, airports, seaports, and other places of convergence starting on Monday, October 28.

The police will be aided by 99,716 force multipliers,

including Bantay Bayan, medical, fire, and rescue volunteers, as well as barangay tanod (village watchmen).

Banac assured the safety of the public during the holiday as he said the PNP has not received any report about threats on security ahead of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.

“The public may continue their planned travel without fear for their security,” he said in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In Metro Manila, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will be on red alert status starting next week as it gears for the influx of cemetery-goers.

The red alert status will also be declared as the country hosts the 30th Southeast Asian Games from November 30 to December 11, according to Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, NCRPO chief.

“The NCRPO will declare red alert for all uniformed personnel. All district directors (DDs) and chiefs of police (COPs) will discuss how to enhance the current plan for Undas and SEA Games,” Sinas said.

A red alert status requires all troops of the 28,000-strong NCRPO to be on standby mode and ready for dispatch wherever their services are needed.

Last year, an estimated 14.6 million Filipinos trooped to 4,677 cemeteries and memorial parks, and 76 columbaria across the country.

Banac also reminded the public the things that should and should not be done during the holidays.

Those who will visit to their province shall go to the terminals, seaports and airports earlier than the usual in anticipation of heavy traffic and lonq queues, he said.

Meanwhile, a thorough check on vehicles shall conduct to ensure safe travel.

The public is also encouraged to implement security measures when leaving their houses.

“Make sure that all the windows and doors are locked. If you have a CCTV [closed-circuit television] camera, activate it and ensure that it is working,” Banac said.

All appliances should also be unplugged to avoid possible cases of fire incidents.

Social-media savvy travelers are also reminded not to post their itineraries, boarding pass, plane ticket, or even hotel reservations on their accounts as it may alert lawless elements.

“Maintain your personal security,” Banac stressed.