The Philippine National Police will field 85% of police personnel for public safety and law enforcement duties in anticipation of increased public activity on the long weekend ahead of the traditional observance of All Saints’ Day on November 1.
Upon the instructions of PNP Chief, Police General Rodolfo S Azurin Jr., the National Headquarters thru Police Lieutenant General Benjamin Santos Jr. TDCO issued the Operational Guidelines to all PNP Units and Offices outlining specific instructions for security coverage and other public safety operations in the observance of Undas.
The Operational Guidelines designated the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR) under Police Brigadier General Mario Reyes as the Office Primarily Responsible (OPR) to monitor and coordinate all public safety operations by PNP Units in areas of engagement.
Police Lieutenant General Santos said this year’s combined long-weekend and holidays, aside from customary paying homage to their departed relatives in the cemetery, may also redirect other people to meet in popular tourist destinations, thus, there is need to constantly remind the observance of Minimum Public Health Standards (MPHS) protocols based on IATF Guidelines and Local Government policies.
He said PNP Units are instructed to maintain police presence at all times along travel routes, transport terminals, public cemeteries and major thoroughfares. The PNP will establish at least one Police Assistance Center (PAC) in every public cemetery or memorial park in cooperation with local government units, civilian volunteer organizations, and civic clubs.
Moreover , PNP Chief, Police General Azurin Jr. urged the public to take advantage of the long weekend to pay respects to the dead ahead of time to avoid congestion in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria on November 1.
The Chief PNP also reminded the public to take necessary precaution when leaving their residences unattended during the long weekend. He advised travelling homeowners to coordinate with barangay authorities for special security arrangements.
