• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) will deploy about 900 security personnel to cemeteries and memorial parks as part of its comprehensive security and public safety operations for the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations.
In a press briefing at its headquarters in Bacolod City on Monday, Oct. 27, Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said the security personnel will come from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire and Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and volunteer groups.
They will be strategically deployed in 186 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria located across the region as well in bus terminals, ports, and major thoroughfares from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3.
Ibay said they will also establish 226 police assistance desks and 56 motorist assistance centers.
He reminded the deployed police personnel to strictly adhere to the PNP Operational Procedures, exercise maximum tolerance, and uphold respect for human rights at all times.
At the same time, Ibay urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities, observe security protocols, and report suspicious activities, or unattended items to the nearest police stations.
Bringing of firearms and sharp objects, selling and bringing of liquor, and engaging in gambling inside the cemeteries and memorial parks are prohibited.
While they have not monitored any threat to peace and order, Ibay cancelled all the vacation leaves of police personnel to maximize their visibility operations. | GB
