The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are all set to provide security and safety for the public during the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.


PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Dionard Carlos said police units have been deployed in cemeteries to provide security and assistance to people who would pay respects to their departed loved ones.



“Today and tomorrow, magko-concentrate na tayo sa mga sementeryo pagkat nandun po ang ating mga kababayan,” Carlos said in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan on Monday (October 31).



“Ang priority po natin ay ang mga sementeryo, ‘yung atin pong kalsada may mga road marshals po tayo na naka-deploy at patuloy pa rin ho ang ating assistance hub sa mga terminals,” he added.



He likewise said some police personnel are also deployed in residential areas and business establishments to prevent robberies which may be perpetrated by criminal elements like “Acetylene Gang”, “Termite Gang” or “Tunnel Rats”, who dig underground and use drainage systems to break into establishments.



Carlos said several non-government organizations and private companies have also set up assistance hubs to assist commuters and motorists returning to their respective provinces.


The PNP spokesman then urged the public to maintain a solemn and peaceful observance of Undas.



He reminded public not to bring alcoholic beverages, sharp objects and gambling paraphernalia in cemeteries.



On the part of MMDA, spokesperson Celine Pialago said around 2,800 personnel have been deployed to maintain traffic, do cleanup activities and respond to emergencies.


She noted that the MMDA has implemented the “no absent and no day-off” policy to ensure that they have enough personnel for the Undas long weekend.



Pialago said the number coding scheme in Metro Manila is suspended and will resume on November 2. PND