By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – Police and other law enforcement units are on heightened alert to secure All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observances on Nov. 1 and 2 in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City.
At least 2,000 law enforcers have been deployed to cemeteries, terminals, and other strategic areas starting Oct. 30.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) established Police Assistance Desks (PADs) as early as Wednesday, anticipating early visits from those avoiding the holiday rush.
Police Capt. Wilma Silva, public information officer of NOCPPO, reported that 1,463 security personnel were deployed, including 573 policemen, 747 force multipliers, and 143 additional personnel from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). These personnel will remain on duty until Nov. 2.
Silva added that the Integrated Patrol Deployment Plan (IPDP) remains in effect. Each PAD will be staffed by three policemen, including officers from the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).
To maximize security coverage, beat patrollers and covert officers were also deployed. Road safety marshals and traffic personnel are stationed along major routes to manage traffic and secure roads for travelers.
Force multipliers have been mobilized to assist in ensuring the safety of cemetery visitors and deterring criminal activity.
Police Col. Rainerio De Chavez, NOCPPO director, led an inspection to assess police readiness at PADs. Area supervisors have been assigned to oversee deployments across the province’s six congressional districts.
The provincial police advised the public not to bring prohibited items, including alcohol, illegal drugs, deadly weapons, gambling paraphernalia, loud musical devices, and flammable materials that could pose fire hazards.
The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has also maximized its personnel to maintain peace and order in cemeteries and transport terminals.
The PCG-northern Negros Occidental deployed 138 personnel across the province’s seaports from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, with support from Coast Guard auxiliaries.
In response to anticipated high maritime traffic, the PCG implemented measures to ensure orderly sea transport operations.
Commander Jansen Benjamin, head of PCG-northern Negros Occidental, stated that their focus is on ensuring safe and convenient travel for passengers while maintaining safety protocols in line with Department of Transportation (DOTr) directives.
As of noon on Oct. 31, the PCG-northern Negros Occidental recorded 1,525 inbound passengers and 1,376 outbound passengers.
