(Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office Facebook)
DUMAGUETE CITY – At least 1,534 uniformed personnel and civilian volunteers will be deployed across Negros Oriental from October 30 to November 3 to maintain peace and order during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office spokesperson Capt. Stephen Jaynard Polinar said Tuesday that the security deployment would include 994 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, 134 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and 406 force multipliers.
The force multipliers will consist of civilian volunteers, barangay tanods, and local officials. Personnel from the Philippine Army, Land Transportation Office, and other law enforcement agencies will also assist in security operations.
Polinar said police units would be placed on full alert as authorities prepare for the expected increase in travelers and cemetery visitors ahead of the November 1 and 2 observances.
“The police will be on full alert during this time and we are coordinating closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of people visiting the cemeteries and other places of convergence,” Polinar said.
Authorities will establish public assistance desks at cemeteries, churches, airports, seaports, shopping malls, bus terminals, and tourist destinations, including beaches, resorts, and accommodation establishments.
Additional security measures will include the deployment of bomb-sniffing dogs, the establishment of checkpoints, and the activation of a Reactionary Standby Support Force to provide reinforcement to police stations when necessary.
Polinar also reminded the public to comply with restrictions on firearms and bladed weapons in designated areas and observe the prohibition on loud music inside cemeteries.
Residents and visitors were encouraged to cooperate with security personnel and follow safety guidelines to ensure a peaceful and orderly Undas observance throughout the province.
