The Police Regional Office in Western Visayas will deploy 6,552 police officers, personnel from other law enforcement agencies and force multipliers across the region from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 to keep the public safe during Undas, the Philippine News Agency reported.
Maj. Lailyn Sencil, chief of the regional office's public information unit, said all police personnel will be on full alert for the duration of the deployment, according to PNA.
The contingent is made up of 3,284 Philippine National Police personnel, 1,170 staff from other law enforcement agencies and 2,098 force multipliers.
Why it matters
Undas, the observance that begins with All Saints' Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls' Day on Nov. 2, draws large crowds to cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria nationwide as Filipino families visit their departed relatives. The volume of travelers moving between provinces at the same time also puts pressure on roads and transport terminals.
Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, director of the regional police office, said early preparation and coordination with local government units and other agencies are central to a safe observance. He noted that Undas carries special meaning for Filipino families and said authorities want visitors to have a peaceful visit and return home safely, PNA reported.
Where the officers will be posted
The regional command has mapped its deployment to the places where crowds are expected. Of the PNP personnel, 700 will be assigned to cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria; 283 to places of worship; 192 to major roads; 146 to transport hubs; and 176 to tourist destinations.
Another 718 officers will carry out mobile patrols, while 970 will staff checkpoints.
The regional police will also set up 265 police assistance desks to give the public immediate help during the period.
Tuaño asked the public to work with authorities and to approach police when they need assistance. Sencil's office said emergencies and other incidents can be reported through the Unified 911 hotline, which the regional command has been promoting in its advocacy and awareness campaign.
What to watch
Travelers and cemetery visitors in Western Visayas can expect the full alert status to hold through Nov. 2, with assistance desks and checkpoints in place along the main routes. The regional command's coordination with local governments and other agencies will determine how smoothly the crowds are managed over the three-day period.
