MANILA — Umabot sa halos isang milyon ang bilang ng mga indibidwal na nagtungo at bumisita sa mga puntod ng kanilang mga yumaong kaanak sa Manila North Cemetery.
Ito’y ayon sa Philippine National Police na nakadeploy sa MNC at anila, ang datos ay nakalap mula nang buksan ang nasabing sementeryo dakong alas-4:00 ng madaling araw ng Miyerkoles.
Sa entrance pa lamang ng Manila North Cemetery ay mahaba na ang pila dahil isa-isang iniinspeksiyon ang mga bag at dala-dalahan ng mga bumibisita.
Samantala, dakong alas-9 ng umaga nitong Miyerkoles (November 1) ay bumisita rin si PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. at kinumpirma na walang banta sa seguridad sa paggunita ng Undas.
Sa pagtungo nito sa MNC, sinabi ni Acorda na wala silang natatanggap at nakakalap na impormasyon hinggil sa banta ng panggugulo ngayong Undas.
Ayon pa sa PNP chief, ipauubaya niya sa area commanders ang pananatili ng seguridad at antas ng alerto depende sa sitwasyon sa kanilang lugar.
(Ulat at potograpiya ni Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday that they have not received any threats related to the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day, otherwise known as Undas. However, they will continue to maintain vigilance and monitor potential risks.
“So far, we have not received any threats. Our monitoring efforts will remain ongoing,” Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the Chief of the PNP said during an impromptu interview with reporters at the Manila North Cemetery, the country’s biggest necropolis.
Acorda shared that over 37,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout the country to ensure the security of the Undas observance.
To assess security measures, Acorda personally inspected the Manila North Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. He noted that only a few dangerous items were confiscated from visitors upon their entry into the cemetery. Additionally, he reported that there have been no instances of disorder at cemeteries nationwide.
In a separate statement, the PNP highlighted comprehensive plans for crowd control, traffic management, and public safety during Undas. Law enforcement officers, along with other agencies and force multipliers, were stationed at key locations, including 3,808 memorial parks, public cemeteries, and columbaria.
The public was urged to remain vigilant in securing their homes when absent and to exercise caution in crowded areas. The PNP encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police officers or through the PNP hotlines.
Motorists were also reminded to follow traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Acorda emphasized, “We want everyone to be able to observe this significant tradition without any concerns for their well-being. Our officers are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful environment for everyone.”
He added, “The PNP would like to remind the public that safety is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can guarantee a peaceful and secure Undas observance for everyone.”
On Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo cautioned the public about common crimes during Undas, saying, “Normally, when there is a large volume of people, we observe crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and physical injuries.”
(Report & photography by Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)