In Cebu City: Over 2,500 personnel to secure cemeteries

CEBU, Philippines - Over 2,500 security personnel, including auxiliary forces, have been deployed starting yesterday to secure the cemeteries in Cebu City until November 2.

Councilor David Tumulak, deputy mayor on police matters, said there were 2,560 personnel from the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and members of the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement team distributed in public and private cemeteries in the city.

The Cebu City government has allotted P1.3 million for the meal allowance of the security personnel starting today until November 2. The amount will be charged against the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) funds.

Tumulak said all necessary preparations have been made, including the setting up of police assistance desks in every cemetery.

He reminded the public that vehicles are not allowed to park at the vicinity of the cemeteries to avoid traffic congestion. The public are also reminded not to bring expensive gadgets in visiting their departed loved ones. Bladed weapons are also prohibited inside the cemetery.

Nagiel Bañacia, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said a final inspection of the security deployment will be conducted at 10 a.m. today. He said the inspection is needed to identify possible problems and what other things needed to be installed.

The city government has already installed tents, First Aid stations and portalets in every cemetery.

 "So far, I can say ready but one thing I can say there is no perfect preparations though we are ready, magdepende man gud na," Bañacia said.

He advised the public to secure their houses before leaving to visit their departed family members and relatives in the cemetery.

"Secure your homes when you leave, mas better nga naay mahabilin. Counter check the appliances in order to prevent fire incident. Of course, para walay kawat mahitabo," Bañacia said.

Traffic rerouting will depend on the situation, according to Tumulak.

"Unya sa atong traffic, case-to-case basis. Gamay ra gani kaayong tawo, daghan sakyanang makasulod. Daghan gani kaayo og tawo, naay diversion nga pagahimuon ang atong CCTO(Cebu City Transportation Office) case-to-case na. Di parehas sa una nga naay two-way, karun depende sa situation ig tan-aw nga daghan og tawo mao na  nga time nga minusan ang sakyanan," he said. Odessa G. Leyson (FREEMAN)