PNP increases cops deployed for Undas to 32,000

The number of policemen deployed nationwide to secure Undas or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day this weekend has been increased to nearly 32,000, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

In a press briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said there are is an additional deployment of cops as regional directors have the discretion to increase the number if needed.

“Umabot na po sa 31,974 po ang naka-deploy nating personnel nationwide (Our personnel deployed nationwide has reached 31,974),” Fajardo said.

“Kasama po yung mga nasa sementeryo dyan, yung mga police assistance desk na nilagay natin doon sa mga transport terminal at syempre sa mga major thoroughfares na para masiguro po natin na makakaalalay po tayo sa mga ang bibiyahe nating mga kababayan,” she added.

(This includes those in the cemetery, the police assistance desks that we have placed at transport terminals, and of course at the major thoroughfares so that we can ensure that we can assist travelers.)

Fajardo said authorities are expecting the number of travelers will start to increase this Thursday, a day ahead of Undas.

According to Fajardo, the PNP has monitored that many people have already visited their departed loved ones at cemeteries as early as Thursday.

So far, no serious threats have been monitored in connection with the observance of Undas., according to the PNP.

However, Fajardo reminded the public to be cautious when going out and leaving their houses during the occasion due to the threat of criminals looking to take advantage of their absence.

An influx of passengers is expected at bus terminals, seaports, and airports during Undas.

At the Manila Northport Terminal, many passengers were headed to the provinces amid the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Leon on Thursday.

The Philippine Coast Guard is on heightened alert for the occasion.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is also bracing for an expected rise in passenger volume at the country's airports over the long Undas weekend. —RF, GMA Integrated News