At least 1,000 to guard Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines - At least 1,000 peacekeeping personnel will keep watch over Cebu City in the next two days as the entire country observes All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

City Police Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said at least 400 policemen were deployed to various cemeteries here since yesterday while at least 600 volunteers from the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) private security groups and cause-oriented groups will serve as force multipliers.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office 7 also deployed 60 men from the Regional Public Safety Company and 25 others from the Armed Forces of the Philippines - Central Command to help maintain peace and order here.

Buenafe said police visibility is very important in major cemeteries, including the Carreta and Calamba cemeteries, the two largest in Cebu City. Four close circuit cameras have been installed in each.

“Atong gi-monitor kining mga dagko nga mga cemetery pinaagi sa atong mga CCTV diin we can open it remotely,” Buenafe said.

He said the camera allow them to observe movements in the cemeteries real time, especially the flow of visitors going in and out of the two cemeteries. “We are also recording so that we can make it our reference for the future,” he said.

Joint patrol operations are also being conducted in subdivisions, villages and major thoroughfares. Sidewalk vendors are also reportedly being monitored owing to previous incidents of vendors allegedly using drugs to stay up at night to sell their goods, especially those vending near cemeteries. 

“Ana gyud na sila aron maka pamaligya silag dugay,” said Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, head of the intelligence branch of the city police office. 

Aside from the vendors, police are also keeping an eye on Halloween parties. “Amo pud gi-monitor ning mga parties kun diin posible nga naay mo-gamit og drogas,” he added.

The police have also mobilized their mobile patrol group and motorcycle riding units for fast and efficient response to emergencies.

The CCPO, together with PRO-7 Director Marcelo Garbo Jr. will inspect cemeteries in the city at 9am today.  (FREEMAN)