All Souls' and All Saints' days: Cops to be deployed today until November 2

CEBU, Philippines - Policemen in Cebu will be deployed at cemeteries, terminals, and ports starting today until November 2 in observance of All Souls' and All Saints' Days.

Supt. Artemio Ricabo, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said up to 400 police personnel will be deployed to secure these areas.

He advised those going to cemeteries not to bring bladed weapons and liquor as these are prohibited.

In Mandaue City, Police Supt. Jimmy Luisanda, chief of operations of the Mandaue City Police Office, said around 300 policemen will be deployed also at cemeteries and terminals.

In Lapu-Lapu City, around 370 policemen will secure the city's cemeteries.

Police Chief Insp. Junnel Caadlawon, chief of operations of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said policemen will also be deployed to the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, Marcelo Fernan Bridge, churches, terminals, and on Olango Island.

"There will be 20 air force personnel that will join the police in making sure the public, particularly those that will visit the cemeteries in the city will be safe from untoward incidents," Caadlawon said yesterday.

Aside from air force personnel, force multipliers from different barangays and traffic enforcers will work hand-in-hand with the police.

The Mactan Island Memorial Garden sa Barangay Marigondon, Municipal Cemetery in Barangay Gun-ob and Catholic Cemetery in Sitio Humay-Humay (still in Barangay Gun-ob) as well as Santa Rosa Cemetery in Olango Island were the cemeteries found within the city.

Mayor Paz Radaza also said the city's traffic personnel are now finalizing the traffic plan for November 1 and 2.

"We are reviewing traffic, police preparation and where to put assistance centers," she said.

Mario Napule, officer-in-charge of City Traffic Management Systems, said 25 traffic enforcers will man traffic.

Senior Supt. Eric Noble, director of the Provincial Police Office, said he ordered all police stations to secure the 152 cemeteries in the province, as well as other areas where people are expected to gather. 

He said 308 police assistance centers will be opened across the province in coordination with local government units. 

The PNP will also continue its campaign against illegal drugs by deploying personnel who will call on people to stop drug use with the use of a megaphone outside cemeteries.

Directorial staff of PRO-7 will be assigned to supervise personnel in different areas in Central Visayas. (FREEMAN)