GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 31 Oct) – The Police Regional Office-12 deployed on Thursday 827 police personnel to augment the security operations for the observance of “undas” or All Saints Day and All Souls Day in parts of the region.
Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, PRO-12 public information officer, said a total of 722 police commissioned and non-commissioned officers assigned at the regional office were sent to the nine city and provincial police offices and stations in the region.
He said 105 others were assigned as standby force that will serve as response teams for possible emergencies.
Capellan said the augmentation personnel will mainly help secure transport terminals, cemeteries, churches and other public places.
He said some of them will be assigned in medical outposts, traffic control teams as well as checkpoints and chokepoints in major roads in the region.
“Random police assistance desks and posts will be set up in places of convergence to ensure the orderly and peaceful observance of undas,” he said.
As part of the “Ligtas Undas 2019” campaign, Capellan said support personnel from the Philippine Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other volunteer teams will be deployed in local cemeteries.
To avoid inconvenience, he reminded residents to strictly observe various prohibitions in cemeteries such as the bringing of alcoholic beverages, bladed weapons, firearms, loud speakers and gambling materials.
He advised families who will bring their young children to provide them with name tags with contact numbers and related information.
Capellan cited that there are “no known threats” in line with the observance of “undas” but said the region has been placed on full alert for the holidays.
“In case of trouble or unusual things will happen, you can ask any police unit near you for assistance,” he said.
He advised residents “enjoy the time with their families” during the long weekend but should also “remain vigilant at all times.” (MindaNews)