PNP to deploy more than 30K cops for Undas

More than 30,000 policemen from police regional offices and national support units will be deployed to ensure peace and order during the observance of All Saints' Day (Undas) and All Souls' Day, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said on Monday.

"We will be fielding 32,092 police personnel from the police regional offices and national support units to perform security and public safety duties this weekend when an estimated 14.6 million Filipinos are expected to troop to 4,677 public cemeteries and memorial parks and 76 columbaria around the country during this traditional day of remembrance for the departed," Albayalde said in a statement.

He added that a total of 86,977 force multipliers from local government units and other civic agencies would also be mobilized to aid police assistance centers (PAC) in providing road assistance and public safety services.

The PNP chief said airport terminals, seaports, bus terminals and train stations will also be monitored by policemen to cater to the needs of travelers.

"The key element in this security operation is police visibility, considering both its crime deterrent and reassuring effect on the public," Albayalde said.

"This is the general guidance to all police regional offices and national support units. My outstanding order to all units and personnel is to remain visible at all times along travel routes, transport terminals, public cemeteries and other public places to establish police presence in these areas," he added.

Albayalde assured the public that policemen are also ready to address security and emergency situations in public cemeteries such as missing persons, medical emergencies, traffic gridlock, overcrowding, petty crimes, illegal parking and vendors, swindlers, and possession of deadly weapons and prohibited items. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News