PNP adopts tight security to ensure solemn, peaceful ‘Undas’ in Zamboanga del Sur

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=935794&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=pagadian%20city&andor=and&mdte_arch=10&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=2016

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Oct. 29 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has adopted tight security measures, dubbed as Oplan Kaluluwa, to ensure the solemn and peaceful observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in this province.

Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre, provincial PNP director, on Saturday told the Philippines News Agency that the implementation of Oplan Kaluluwa takes effect Sunday, Oct. 30, until Thursday, Nov. 3.

Ecaldre said policemen would be stationed in public and private cemeteries and were tasked to conduct visibility patrols in all public places to thwart any possible disturbance by lawless elements.

There are six cemeteries in this city alone. These included four private, one public and one Chinese cemeteries.

This province comprises of one city and 26 municipalities. Each of the towns has their respective public and private cemeteries.

Ecaldre said that troops from the Army’s First Infantry Division would augment the PNP forces in providing security for the peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

He said the soldiers would man the checkpoints along the highways and roads leading to the cemeteries.

In this city, Supt. Michael Palermo, local police chief, has tapped the assistance of the village watchmen (barangay tanods) for traffic management leading to the cemeteries.

Palermo said that Provincial Public Safety Battalion policemen and troops from the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion will conduct mobile patrols as well as secure public places like public markets, department stores, seaport and bus terminal.

He said the bringing of bladed weapons, firearms, intoxicating drinks, playing cards, flammable materials and sound system into the cemeteries is prohibited.

He called on the public to cooperate with them since the tight security measure is to ensure the safety of everybody.

He also urged the public to immediately report to them any presence of people acting suspiciously in their respective communities. (PNA)
RMA/TPGJR/HIROHITO D. CADION