Police, Army, dogs too augment AFP security effort
Military and police go on full alert as the nation go on extended holiday to mark All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. With transport sector at its busiest, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) implements intensive security measures to ensure safety of the commuting public.
For the AFP here in Western Visayas, security efforts will be bolstered by the police, the Army and yes, dogs too.
"On the part of the AFP, we are deploying the bomb-sniffing dogs in various transportation sector in order to augment other law enforcement agencies," Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, commanding officer of the 3rd Civil Relations Group said. "This is in order to pre-empt any terroristic plan of the enemies of the State. General Jovenal Narcise also said that we are ready to deploy the air and ground assets of the AFP in any eventualities that may arise."
As such, vital government installations will again see tighter security alongside increased police visibility in urban centers.
Longtime prohibitions on the selling, drinking and bringing of alcoholic drinks inside cemeteries will again be strictly enforced. Gambling too is a no-no as traffic auxiliary officers will augment traffic police in various public and private cemeteries.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 director Chief Supt. Wilfredo Dulay Sr., on the other hand, said the police in the entire region are ready for the two-day celebration marked by the gathering of people in the cemeteries to visit the dead.
Dulay ordered the deployment of cops to cemeteries, terminals and other common areas of convergence to deter all forms of criminalities.
The police will also implement strictly the liquor ban and prohibit gambling inside the cemeteries to prevent any problem arising thereto.
Dulay added that Public Assistance Centers will be put up along major highways, cemeteries, airports, seaports, bus terminals and popular resorts.
Police personnel are also not allowed to avail of day-off or leave during the weekend holiday while those which have already been granted were canceled, except those on maternity or sick leave.
Dulay also enjoined the Local Government Units (LGUs) to be actively involved in the maintenance of peace and order during the All Souls Day and All Saints Day, especially in addressing traffic congestion in major roads and mobilization of tanods against burglars and other criminals.
The public is also encouraged to be more security conscious while on travel and to cooperate with the police by reporting information on suspicious-looking personalities in their areas. (With a report from RPIO PRO6)