The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reported that they already placed some 5,293 police assistance desks (PADs) in all public cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria around the country for this year’s observance of Undas.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP information chief and spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said around 25,349 cops are on duty to secure the annual observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Days.
“Usually, we become full alert in relation to Undas and the holiday season one day before D-Day,” he said.
The full alert means the highest level of readiness in all police officers and units. Under full alert status, police personnel are not allowed to go on leave.
He said the deployment of PNP personnel will serve as augmentation in the conduct of preventive patrol operations, as well as anti-criminality and anti-drug campaigns.
The PADs will also be set up to guide commuters and prevent criminals from taking advantage of the crowd, he said.
He said police assistance centers will be established inside and outside cemeteries and memorial parks to maintain peace and order and reminded the public to ensure that minimum public health standards are observed.
The total deployment of personnel was 56,013 that includes 8,265 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection while 22,399 are force multipliers.
He also said the PNP will remain on alert, especially in transport terminals, airports and piers, as commuters return from the provinces for the observance of Undas.
Meanwhile, items that are prohibited inside the cemeteries during the commemoration of Undas are guns and all types of sharp objects such as knives, cutters and spatulas; all types of intoxicating beverages; guitars, loud sound systems and speakers; and flammable items such as alcohol and thinner.
Pets such as dogs and cats are likewise not allowed inside the cemetery.
