Central Visayas to deploy more than 3,000 police for Undas

CEBU, Philippines – More than 3,000 cops from the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) will be deployed to cemeteries and churches from October 30 until November 2 as Filipinos pay their respects to Catholic saints and departed souls, regional director Police Brigadier General Roderick Alba announced in a media forum on Tuesday, October 25.

“Definitely, we will be on full alert status or heightened alert,” Alba said.

Full alert status means that all police personnel will be required to report for duty.

There are 441 cemeteries spread across the Central Visayas region, and the PRO 7 director said they would increase police visibility in these areas.

“Police assistance desks…will be found before we enter the cemeteries,” Alba added.

The director admitted that the police would still need the help of force multipliers coming from civilian organizations, barangay officials, and other concerned agencies.

Alba said that they will coordinate with the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ensure road safety. 

Cemetery capacities, protocols

On the enforcement of entrance capacities in cemeteries, the police director clarified that it would depend on the policy set by the concerned local government.

“We will align with the IATF rules and in cooperation with the local government units,” Alba said.

In Cebu City, police and government officials agreed that there would be no more overnight stays in cemeteries, and that visits would only be from 6 am to 10 pm starting October 30 until November 2.

In Mandaue City, it is set between 5 am to 10 pm, while in Lapu-Lapu City, from 6 am to 12 midnight. 

Police are expecting large volumes of cemetery visitors due to the long weekend. 

On October 18, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 79 declaring October 31 as a special non-working holiday in the country. – Rappler.com