A total of 4,162 police officers and personnel from other government line agencies, along with force multipliers, will secure All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days observance in Pangasinan from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 this year.
Capt. Aileen Catugas, information officer of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO), said in a phone interview on Wednesday that of the total, 1,825 are police personnel, 574 from other agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Coast Guard, and the Army, while 1,763 are force multipliers.
She added they expect around 133,000 people to gather at the province’s 172 cemeteries and memorial parks.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan PPO officer-in-charge Col. Arbel Mercullo said in a separate interview that their security plan for the upcoming Undas is ready for implementation.
“We will be on red alert, full alert status during the observance of Undas,” he said.
Mercullo also reminded the public that bringing edged or bladed weapons, loudspeakers, alcohol, and guns into the cemetery is prohibited.
“Our police officers will be on guard and will check the bags,” he added.
Aside from the cemeteries and memorials, police personnel will also be deployed in churches, other places of convergence such as terminals, malls, and commercial establishments, bus stations, seaports, and airports.
Similarly, 390 assistance desks will be set up across the province, including 71 motorist assistance centers.
Mercullo urged the public to approach police or other law enforcement officers on duty if they need help. (PNA)