MANILA, Philippines – Several government agencies are in full force to ensure a peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day this long weekend.
According to the Palace, President Benigno Aquino III has “directed all pertinent agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of the commuting public in the coming Undas weekend.”
Aquino will also “personally inspect terminals and other transport hubs as part of the operations, along with other Cabinet officials,” the statement added.
The following government agencies have adopted certain measures for the long weekend:
- Metropolitan Manila Development Authority: Additional units deployed to ease traffic
- Department of the Interior and Local Government: Mayors to convene Local Peace and Order Council to ensure safety
- Philippine National Police (PNP): On alert and providing security in cemeteries and transport hubs
- Department of Transportation and Communications: Exercise OPLAN Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2013, a centralized plan to make travel more convenient and efficient
- Civil Aeronautics Board: Monitor activities, installation of help desks in all Manila airport terminals, and Documentation and Ground Assistance roving teams to address passenger concerns
- Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines: Increased inspections nationwide
Undas weekend is a busy break for Filipinos who flock to cemeteries and their provinces to visit deceased loved ones. All Saints’ Day this year, which falls on Friday, November 1, is a national holiday.
Busy week for police
The PNP is poised to work all weekend, just days after a hectic start of the week that saw police personnel deployed across the country for the nationwide barangay elections.
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas advised the PNP to “set up help desks with trained medics along local and national roads in their localities to provide assistance to the traveling public.”
Roxas also reminded local chief executives to prepare for efficient garbage collection and clean-up operations in cemeteries and other public places after the weekend. – Rappler.com
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