Show of force

Metro Manila police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco assured the public yesterday that its "all systems go" for All Saints’ Day security measures, including strong police visibility at cemeteries to prevent possible terror attacks.

Velasco made the rounds yesterday of cemeteries in Metro Manila as well as bus terminals along the entire stretch of EDSA.

After visits to the North Cemetery and Chinese Cemetery in Manila, the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque and Himlayang Pilipino in Quezon City, the Metro police chief said he was satisfied with the security and police deployment.

The situation in cemeteries in all districts of the metropolis was generally peaceful.

"There has been no incidents except for the usual confiscation of kitchen knives, grass cutters and beer. We hope this situation prevails until after in the observance of All Souls’ Day," Velasco said.

He appealed to the public to bear with the inconvenience of the rigid security measures at cemetery entrances and bus terminals, including inspection of bags and vehicles.

The Western Police District (WPD) expressed full confidence that it can thwart any terrorist plot that could disrupt today’s observance of All Saints’ Day.

"We’re ready and prepared for anything," said WPD Homicide division chief Juanito Taluban, one of the ground commanders for Oplan Kaluluwa 2002. "We are doing our best but we can only do so much. That is why we need the full cooperation of the people."

WPD director Senior Superintendent Pedro Bulalong has ordered the deployment of 1,200 uniformed and plainclothes officers at the Manila North Cemetery and the Chinese Cemetery.

In addition to the policemen, some 14 bomb-sniffing dogs will also be detailed at the cemeteries’ gates.

On orders of Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, the public will only be allowed to use the main gate of the Manila North Cemetery, for security reasons. Those entering the cemetery will be thoroughly checked for possible explosive devices.

"Our men will be on guard at the main gate to be supported by bomb-sniffing dogs and mobile patrol cars," WPD spokesman Chief Inspector Gerry Agunod said.

Other gates of the Manila North Cemetery will remain closed but can be readily opened by police in case of emergency.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza presided over a last-minute command conference with WPD officials at the North Cemetery yesterday to make sure that the four-day holiday "would be safe and comfortable for everyone."

He reiterated that alcoholic beverages and bladed weapons, including kitchen knives, would be confiscated.

As of yesterday afternoon, police confiscated 176 bladed weapons and knives.

Meanwhile, sources at the WPD said they are also closely watching the oil depot facilities in the Pandacan district, following reports that terrorist groups might take advantage of the situation.

"We are making sure that the oil depots are safe from an attack. They (terrorists) might think that because of the massive police deployment to the cemeteries, there would be none left to secure the depots," a police official said.

In southern Manila, some 170 mobile police personnel were deployed to assist people visiting 22 cemeteries. At least 10 K-9 dogs on loan from the Armed Force of the Philippines have been distributed to bus terminals. Today, the K-9s would be transferred to the cemeteries.

Southern Police District (SPD) chief Superintendent Joe Gutierrez Jr. said the Philippine Air Force has provided 100 men to augment security at the Makati North and South cemeteries, Loyola Memorial park and Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City.

Generally peaceful

The eastern part of Metro Manila was generally peaceful yesterday with no untoward incident reported in all its cemeteries.

The district has 14 cemeteries: five in Marikina; four in Pasig; three in Mandaluyong; and two in San Juan.

Chief Superintendent Rolando Sacramento, director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) said at least 500 cops were deployed in all memorial parks to prevent lawless elements from spoiling the observance of All Saints’ Day.

Some 120 cops have been deployed at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, which is the busiest among the cemeteries. Five police outposts were set up inside to entertain complaints. Two bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed at the entrances.

Traffic leading to cemeteries was a slow as the police subjected them to thorough checks. The police also used under-chassis mirrors to make sure that no car bombs were present.

National Security adviser Roilo Golez was among the early visitors at the Loyola Memorial.

Sacramento said an additional 150 Marines would be deployed at the 14 cemeteries during the break.

Meanwhile, Northern Police District (NPD) director Senior Superintendent Marcelino Franco Jr. assured residents of their safety when they visit departed loved ones in Camanava cemeteries.

"We have enough men to secure our area, especially our cemeteries, that’s why we no longer called in the military," Franco said.

An additional 90 policemen from the National Capital Region Police Office were deployed yesterday in 21 public and private cemeteries in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela.

At least four K-9 dogs were also visible in bus terminals and cemeteries.

Of the NPD’s 90 augmentation force, 20 were assigned in eight different cemeteries in Valenzuela City, 10 in Malabon, 10 in Navotas, with the remaining 50 were scattered in seven cemeteries in Caloocan City.

At least 50 more policemen are just on standby at the NPDO and are ready for deployment if the need arises.

"We are on top of the situation," Franco said but advised the public to be extra vigilant and not to panic in case a bomb threat.

"Be calm, don’t panic and quickly move away from the area where there is a threat and immediately report the matter to the police," Franco said.

He also reminded pranksters that they will be dealt with accordingly once they would create scandal in cemeteries.

"Lastly, don’t leave your house unlocked for you might fall victim to burglary," Franco said. – Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Pete Laude, Nikko Dizon