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PNP on alert vs All Saints’ Day ‘opportunists’

By Gina P. Elorde

10/25/2009

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief director General Jesus Verzosa has placed on alert all police units nationwide, for them to be on their toes against so-called “threat groups,” such as terrorists and criminal elements, that may take advantage of the lull during the traditional nationwide observance of All Saints’ Day.

Verzosa yesterday said he had the entire PNP placed on heightened alert to ensure the availability of police units and personnel during violent incidences that may arise while the whole nation is observing All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.

All Police Regional Offices were directed to implement special security measures during the long weekend holiday, when people are known to troop to public cemeteries and memorial parks to honor the dead.

Those who hail from the provinces are wont to make the trip home to remember their loved ones who have already passed away, generating a crush of travelers on transport terminals.

Such conditions are a security nightmare for the police, who have to watch and secure heavily crowded areas during such holidays.

Verzosa issued Letter of Instruction 68/09 prescribing the operational guidelines on security coverage, public safety measures, contingency plans and other support services to be provided by the PNP during the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Police Regional Offices and the Traffic Management Group in the Luzon area were directed to establish Public Assistance Centers along highways and main thoroughfares leading to the provinces in the North and South in anticipation of the heavy volume of vehicle and commuter traffic to and from Metro Manila.

In Metro Manila, Police Districts were instructed to provide security and insure order in land transportation terminals.

The Maritime Group and Aviation Security Group, meanwhile, were tasked to implement special security measures in seaports and airports, respectively.

At the same time, all Police Regional Offices were alerted against possible hostile actions by the domestic threat groups on vital installations such as power generation telecommunication facilities, and critical infrastructure.

Police units in urban centers were also directed to maintain police visibility in congested areas and convergence points to deter criminal and terrorist elements from taking advantage of the situation.

These include preventive patrol and police visibility operations in residential areas, in coordination with local governments as a deterrent against thieves and robbers that prey on unattended residences.

Residents in the urban centers are advised, if possible, not to leave their homes unattended, and to coordinate with barangay (village) and neighborhood authorities to provide security to unattended residences.

Consistent with existing laws and local ordinances, the following are prohibited in public cemeteries and memorial parks: Carrying of firearms, explosives and deadly weapons; alcohol and drugs; gambling activities; and loud and boisterous forms of entertainment such as videoke and stereo.