By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has mobilized more than 141,000 personnel and force multipliers nationwide to secure cemeteries, transport terminals, major roads and other public areas as millions of Filipinos travel for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said 73,034 police officers had been deployed to 5,311 cemeteries and columbaria, transport hubs, places of worship and tourist destinations. They are supported by 16,560 personnel from other government agencies and 51,578 barangay public safety officers.
The police force will remain on full alert through November 3.
Travel activity is also surging at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), where passenger arrivals reached 845,843 from October 25 to 29 as of 2 p.m. Thursday. Management expects as many as 1.9 million travelers through November 4.
Security personnel have confiscated 260 prohibited items at the terminal, including knives, lighters, butane gas, cutters and scissors.
Authorities have also intensified road safety checks. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported that seven public utility vehicle drivers tested positive for drugs during random screening. Their licenses were suspended pending confirmatory testing, and they were barred from driving while the process continues.
In Metro Manila, local governments have implemented cemetery security deployments, traffic restrictions and transport arrangements. Parañaque will deploy 1,190 police personnel across four cemeteries, while Muntinlupa is offering free rides to Everest Hills Memorial Park during designated Undas dates.
The Department of Public Works and Highways will also resume southbound EDSA reblocking at 10 p.m. Friday, with affected sections scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. Monday.
Meanwhile, the EcoWaste Coalition is urging cemetery visitors to minimize waste and observe environmentally responsible practices during the annual observance.
ia/xf
