2,085 cops up for Undas deployment

By: Jennifer P. Rendon

MORE than 2,000 policemen will be deployed across Western Visayas for the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.

The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is also on full alert status to maximize its personnel to their police visibility on streets and places of convergence.

Out of the 2,085 personnel that will be deployed for Undas duty, majority of them – 1,828 to be exact – will be stationed at cemeteries.

Meanwhile, 192 cops will secure bus terminals, 56 in seaports, and 9 in airports in the entire region.

Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, said that police officers will be augmented by members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) to ensure the safety, peaceful, and orderly conduct of the event.

PRO-6 will tap 6,909 force multipliers to boost the region’s police force.

Pamuspusan assured that they have enough personnel to cover the security needs of the region, as he cited that the annual commemoration is expected to generate large influx of people to the cemeteries, transport terminals, along major thoroughfares and other places of convergence.

He said that they are also prepared even against various enemy threat groups, including terrorist and criminal elements/gangs.

Police Assistance Centers will be stationed at cemeteries, terminals, seaports, and other areas vulnerable to terrorist hostile activities where the public can easily seek assistance in cases of emergency.

Like in previous years, PRO-6 reminded the public against bringing in of liquors and deadly weapons when going to the cemeteries.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson, said the PNP will still enforce bans on firearms and other deadly weapons and alcoholic drinks.

Playing of loud music and gambling will also be banned, alongside with appropriate local ordinances in the cemeteries.

“For those who would be flagged for carrying knives and ice picks and liquors, these will be confiscated,” she said.

However, these will be returned once the owners will go out of the cemeteries.

But it would be a different thing for firearms. The holders will have to present valid gun licenses. Otherwise, they would be arrested and charged relative to violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).