ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) will be deploying 2,277 policemen to public and private cemeteries across Western Visayas to enforce quarantine rules as the early commemoration of the All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) starts.
The national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force is allowing visits to cemeteries between Sept. 17 and Oct. 28 then between Nov. 5 and 15.
PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, said the strict and proper observation of the minimum health safety standard protocol like wearing of facemask and face shield and physical distancing is non-negotiable.
According to Malong, policemen would also make sure that at all times, cemeteries would only be accommodating people 30 percent of their normal visitor capacity.
“Age restriction will not be applied as long as they will follow health protocols,” she added.
From Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, all private and public cemeteries, memorial parks and columbarium shall be closed.
Around 14,000 force multipliers will also help secure the observance of Undas.
“The police presence will be intensified, too, in areas frequented by the public such as malls, transport facilities terminals, churches, resorts and other areas vulnerable to terrorist hostilities,” Malong said.
Police assistance hubs will be established and there will be checkpoints.
Road safety marshals will also be deployed along routes leading to the cemeteries.
Quick reaction teams will be alerted to respond for any emergency cases.
Meanwhile, PRO-6 will conduct security patrols in residential areas.
“Bringing of firearms and bladed weapons, drinking of alcohol, gambling, loud music in cemeteries are prohibited,” added Malong. PRO-6 also appealed for the cooperation of the general public to strictly adhere to the guidelines set by the IATF and the local government units for a safe and secure observance of Undas./PN
