No Undas break for Eastern Police District cops

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities will observe no break in the campaign against crimes and illegal drugs in the eastern part of Metro Manila during the observance of All Saints’ Day, an official said yesterday.

While additional police officers would be deployed to secure 15 cemeteries in Mandaluyong, San Juan City, Pasig and Marikina, Eastern Police District director Chief Superintendent Bernabe Balba said there would be no let-up in the anti-crime drive.

“At least 1,200 policemen would be on duty to prevent criminals from striking during the Undas break,” Balba said.

He said policemen would also be deployed in columbariums, churches, bus and jeepney terminals, train stations as well as vital government installations.

Early visitors

In Manila, an estimated 32,000 people visited their dead at the Manila North Cemetery yesterday.

Cemetery goers availed themselves of free rides on e-trikes sponsored by the city government.

Police confiscated banned items such as flammable materials, bladed weapons, cigarettes and gardening tools.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde inspected yesterday the Manila North and South cemeteries to oversee the security preparations.

Thousands of people also flocked to the La Loma and Chinese cemeteries in Manila, police said.

MRT, LRT operations

The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) Lines 1 and 2 will be in full operation during the long Undas break.

The MRT-3 management said 12 operational trains would be deployed today and tomorrow.

MRT-3 operations will start at 5:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 p.m.

The management of LRT-2 said train trips would start at 4:30 a.m. from the Santolan and Recto stations. The last trip will be at 10 p.m.

The LRT-1 management said its operation is shortened during holidays and weekends.

LRT-1’s last trip from Roosevelt station in Quezon City will be at 9:45 p.m. instead of 10:15 p.m. The last train from Baclaran station will leave at 9:30 p.m. – Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Robertzon Ramirez