DILG orders BFP to go on full alert for Undas

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday ordered the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to be on full alert in case fire incidents and other emergencies occur during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls' Day. 

In a press release, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueño said firefighters must be ready for any emergency that may happen during the Undas long weekend, particularly in cemeteries where thousands of Filipinos go.

“We want the BFP to carry out all the necessary measures for the observance of a fire-free All Saints' Day," Sueño said.

BFP members were also asked to help preserve peace and order during the period.

With this, Sueño directed Senior Superintendent Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tui, newly-assigned director of BFP-National Capital Region, to ask his men to guard public and private cemeteries all day and all night.

Kwan Tiu responded to this call by deploying on Friday highly-trained rescuers at places of convergences such as cemeteries, terminals and highways to assist and respond in cases of emergency.

Aside from this, a nationwide drive urging the public to actively participate in the BFP’s fire prevention and road safety campaign will also be launched.

Metro Manila fire marshals will display informational materials at fire stations, fire trucks and other public places reminding motorists to drive carefully. — Erwin Colcol/VVP, GMA News