DILG chief calls on LGUs for safe 'Undas'

MANILA, Philippines - Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento is calling on all local government units (LGUs) to keep observance of All Saints’ Day safe for the public who will be visiting various cemeteries across the country.

In a directive, Sarmiento urged all local chief executives to convene their local peace and order council to formulate a contingency plan on peace and order and public safety that will be operational to prevent any untoward incident from occurring during the observance known locally as "Undas."

“Mas mainam po na magplano at maghanda sa anumang insidente na maaaring makasagabal sa ating tradisyonal na pagdalaw sa ating mga yumaong kamag-anakan sa Araw ng mga Patay,” said Sarmiento.

The DILG secretary also urged the local officials to mobilize and deploy law enforcers, barangay tanods and medical personnel in the vicinity of public and private cemeteries and memorial parks to ensure peace and order and public safety.

“Kailangan ding may mga nakaposteng autoridad sa mga lansangan upang umalalay sa mga naglalakbay na motorista at siguruhing maayos ang lagay ng trapiko patungo sa mga sementeryo,” he said.

“Bantayan din natin ang mga kritikal na lugar sa lokalidad upang pigilan ang pagpasok at paglabas ng mga nais magsamantala sa okasyon para magsagawa ng mga iligal na gawain,” he added.

According to Sarmiento, local authorities should also see to it that cleanliness and orderliness in cemeteries and other public places before, during and after Undas 2015 are maintained.

“Malaki ang respeto at pagpapahalaga ng mga Pilipino sa kanilang mga yumao kaya inaasahan ko na gagawin natin ang lahat ng hakbang para masigurong payapa at ligtas ang Undas,” he said.