PNP says Undas is ‘generally peaceful’

The country’s observance of All Saints’ Day was generally peaceful, with no major untoward incidents reported, Philippine National Police spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said Wednesday.

“Overall, it’s generally peaceful as of 5 p.m., but security coverage still ongoing. Deployment may stay until November 2 as we expect people to still visit the cemeteries,” he said.

Carlos added that based on the monitoring of the National Operations Center, an alarm and scandal incident in Region 2 was the only significant incident reported.

A total of 1,487 items have been confiscated, including 843 bladed or pointed weapons, 109  alcoholic drinks, 531 flammable materials, and four playing cards.

Carlos said 5,787 assistance hubs have been established all over the country, manned by 29,113 police personnel.

He said 15,276 road safety marshals were deployed in major thoroughfares and roads leading to cemeteries all over the country.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde also said that the commemoration of All Saints’ Day in Metro Manila was generally peaceful.

“Sa ngayon generally peaceful po. Wala tayong nakuhang incident in all the cemeteries, walang incident ng robbery, salisi, or snatching. Ang incident lang na naiulat natin ay yung kagaya dati, ‘yung mga batang nahihiwalay sa kanilang magulang pero naibabalik din naman,” Albayalde said in a phone interview with GMA News TV’s QRT.

He said security personnel thoroughly check the bags of those visiting the cemeteries to ensure that no prohibited items are brought inside.

“May mga pulis na roving, nagpapatrolya sa loob ng sementeryo at kapag may nakita silang prohibited e kinukumpiska. Kung personal belonging naman po ‘yun ay binibigyan ng tag upang makuha ng may-ari kapag labas niya ng sementeryo,” he said.

He said the police personnel will man the cemeteries as long as there are people who go there. — Amita Legaspi/BM, GMA News