PNP to remain on full alert Monday as many return from Undas long weekend

The Philippine National Police will remain on full alert until at least Monday, with people still returning to Metro Manila after spending the long Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days) weekend in the provinces. PNP Director General Nicanor Bartolome stressed this Sunday noon as he reminded police personnel to be on guard against criminals who may victimize returning commuters and motorists. “Hindi pa tapos ang pagbibigay ng seguridad sa LOI [Letter of Instruction] Undas. Ang ating plano pati ang pagbalik lalo sa Metro Manila, kasama sa ise-secure. Ngayon ine-expect natin ang magsisipagbalikan anytime this afternoon hanggang madaling araw mamaya,” he said on government-run dzRB radio. Bartolome also pointed out that the full alert he declared for the PNP remains in effect until at least Monday. The PNP is also expected to maintain a high level of alert while President Benigno Aquino III is abroad, according to standard operating procedure. Bartolome said police should be on hand to secure and assist returning passengers, especially at airports, seaports and bus terminals. He also appealed to returning passengers to be careful with their belongings. “Pinag-iingat natin ang kababayan natin sa kagamitan nila lalo [kung] marami silang dalang gamit. Ang pulis magbibigay ng seguridad para sa lahat, malaking bagay din ang magiingat ang ating kababayan,” he said. Meanwhile, Bartolome said Aquino gave no additional instructions to him before leaving for Laos for the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM 9) from Nov. 5 to 6. Bartolome was among the officials who saw off the President at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport when he left for Vientiane Sunday noon. Aquino is scheduled to return Tuesday night. “Kanina specific wala siyang naibigay na kautusan sa akin,” he said. He said Aquino’s last instruction to him was last week, when they inspected the bus stations and Aquino expressed concern that the K-9 units sniffing for explosives and drugs would get tired. “Nabanggit niya i-deploy mabuti ang K-9 at baka kumpul-kumpol sa isang lugar o baka mapagod ang K-9,” he said. — BM, GMA News