Military sees no threat during All Saints break

 

MANILA, Philippines - Although no threat has been monitored ahead of the observance of All Saints’ Day, the military vowed yesterday to intensify its intelligence-gathering efforts to foil any attempt to disturb the feast of the dead, but would not raise the alert level.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said the AFP will intensify its intelligence monitoring and collection efforts and security operations, particularly in the countryside, and would support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in strategic regions.

“The AFP will not raise the military’s alert level status. However, it is up to the discretion of the different unified commanders depending on their assessment of the security situation in their respective areas,” Burgos said.

He said they are ready to deploy troops to augment security forces and policemen positioned in strategic areas.

“Priority now is the security of all vital installations and areas where civilians are expected to crowd, particularly cemeteries and transport terminals,” he said.

Burgos said they are working closely with the PNP and the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Centers to ensure the safety of the public.

“We would like to assure the people that our security efforts will be further strengthened, intelligence operations will be intensified and that we are always prepared should pressing situations and threats rise,” he said.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin urged the public to follow the rules set in cemeteries to prevent confusion and untoward events.

Gazmin, chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), reminded cemetery-goers to refrain from drinking, singing and other activities that may disturb the solemnity of the holiday.
Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator and NDRRMC executive director Benito Ramos reminded the public to undertake precautionary measures when traveling and to ensure that their houses are well secured before leaving for a vacation.
PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said the entire PNP will be on full alert starting today to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ and Souls’ days.
Bartolome said the alert status covers police regional offices, territorial units and the national support units involved in police operations.
“The alert of all operational support units will be upgraded to full alert status starting Oct. 30 or two days before All Saints’ Day,” Bartolome said.
He added that security measures would be observed nationwide as people from Metro Manila are expected to flock to the provinces to visit their departed relatives.
He said 90 percent of the police force would be deployed to cemeteries nationwide.
“The PNP chief said their security plan also covers beaches and resorts where local tourists are expected to proceed after visiting the cemeteries. He said since weekend follows the All Saints’ and All Souls’ holidays, people would surely take advantage of the long break.
“So we are on duty 24/7 to watch over the places they will go to,” he said.

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