By Jennifer P. Rendon
Security preparations for the commemoration of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov 1-2, 2020 are already in place, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 said on Monday.
But the public should expect changes, as security plans have also been conceptualized to adapt to the new normal.
Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, Western Visayas police chief, said this year’s celebration is far from the usual, as it is governed by the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) guidelines on the implementation of community quarantine.
Just like in previous years, PRO-6 will be placed on full alert status.
Pamuspusan said they will deploy 2,277 personnel, who will work along with over 14,000 force multipliers for the duration of the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day.
These personnel will strictly implement the IATF resolution and existing guidelines; boost quarantine control points Quarantine and COVID-19 marshal operations; and strictly monitor the observance of minimum health standards in places of convergence and other public areas.
Under the IATF guidelines, visit to cemeteries and memorial parks shall be allowed on September 17 to October 28 and November 5 to 15 “provided the maximum number of visitors is 30 percent of the venue capacity.”
Minimum health protocols shall also be observed like wearing of face mask and face shield and social distancing shall be required.
Age restriction will not apply on these periods.
Meanwhile, all private and public cemeteries, memorial park, and columbarium shall be closed from Oct 29 to Nov 4.
Given the prevailing situation, Pamuspusan said the police personnel all over the region have been told to expect and to prepare for the influx of people who will visit the said places before and after closure dates.
On top of that, the region’s top cop said policemen were also instructed to be prepared for people who would troop to tourist destinations because of the long weekend from October 31 to November 2.
Meanwhile, Pamuspusan said they have also ironed out plans in a bid to prevent and suppress the occurrence of criminal and terroristic acts targeting the general public, places of convergence, and transportation hubs from criminal elements who may take advantage of the situation.
“PRO-6 will provide safety services in private and public cemeteries and columbaria before, during and after the closure,” he said.
Police were also told to heighten their visibility and the conduct of operations and security in areas frequented by public such as malls, transport facilities terminals, churches, resorts and other areas, which are deemed vulnerable to terrorist hostilities.
Police assistance hubs will be established.
Pamuspusan said they would also do random checkpoints while road safety marshals will also be deployed in strategic areas along the routes to the cemeteries.
Further, quick reaction teams (QRTs) will be alerted to respond for any emergency cases that may arise.
The security preparations will also compel PRO-6 personnel to undertake active security patrols in residential areas during the occasions to prevent break-ins and “Akyat-Bahay” incidents.
The security coverage includes the enforcement of the prohibited acts/practices in cemeteries such as bringing of firearms and bladed weapons, drinking of alcohol, gambling and loud music and other local ordinances related to the observance of the event.
But Pamuspusan said police could only do so much, as he appealed for cooperation from the general public.
He also asked the people to strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the IATF and their respective local government units (LGUs) for a safe and secure observance of Undas.
