MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is gearing up for this year’s commemorations of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day after successfully implementing security measures for the eight-day filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs).
Early security preparations, according to PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, have proven efficient in maintaining public safety for major events such as the Undas on November 1 and 2.
Eleazar said he’s ordered unit commanders to start planning for the two-day event next month’s security.
“Inaasahan ko ang ating mga chiefs of police ay makikipag-ugnayan ng maaga sa kani-kanilang mga local government units upang pagplanuhan ang mga patakarang ipapatupad sa mga sementeryo, memorial parks at columbarium lalo na at nasa gitna pa tayo ng pandemya (I expect that our chiefs of police will coordinate early with their respective local government units to plan for policies that will be implemented in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbarium especially as we are in the middle of a pandemic),” he said in a video message sent to reporters.
Eleazar also encouraged the public to plan ahead of time and check the guidelines that will be enacted in their particular local government units (LGUs) regarding cemetery visits.
Last year, some LGUs closed cemeteries and memorial parks on November 1 and 2 in anticipation of a large number of people due to the risk of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Meanwhile, some LGUs established visiting schedules to guarantee that the Undas observation would not become a super spreader event.
On the days when visits to graves are permitted, Eleazar stated that the police will closely supervise the crowds and ensure that the minimal health standards are observed.
“Nagawa na natin ito noong nakaraang taon kaya’t nasisiguro kong magagampanan ulit nang maayos ng ating kapulisan ang kanilang tungkulin sa panahon ng Undas (We already did these last year so I am sure our police officers will be able to perform their duty during Undas),” he added.
