The Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil, instructed all police units in the country to strengthen security measures and assist motorists and the public in preparation for the yearly commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
“We are deploying more personnel to communities, cemeteries, transport terminals, and other areas where people traditionally gather to commemorate their loved ones. We want the public to feel the presence of the police, to feel secure as they go about their lives,” he said.
Marbil said that the police are focusing on stopping possible burglaries and crimes with the heightened influx of people during the holidays.
“Our goal is two-fold: to secure the community from opportunistic crimes like akyat-bahay and to assist motorists and the general public who may need help during this period. Police visibility and vigilance will be at an all-time high to guarantee everyone’s safe and peaceful observance of Undas,” he said.
“Let this remind those with ill intentions that the PNP is ready and on alert. Our officers are here to safeguard and assist those in need on the roads and in busy areas,” he added.
In addition to the preparations for Undas, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said that the tollway operators are instructed to open all toll lanes, implement counterflow traffic measures in areas with heavy traffic, provide free towing for Class 1 vehicles, up-to-date updates on traffic, and pause all road works that may hinder traffic flow.
Assistance will also be available to motor riders in distress, 24/7 emergency vehicle repair services, security patrol, first aid, blocking the access of pedestrians, stray animals, and vehicles that are not prohibited from accessing the toll roads, continuous monitoring of CCTV cameras, and collaboration with local authorities to ensure the smooth flow of traffic at toll exits and interchanges.
TRB also has a team that responds to hotline calls and updates the public on traffic on its social media accounts.