QC officials vow orderly All Saints’ Day

The Quezon City Police District, barangay security men and traffic enforcers from the QC department of public order and safety have been closely coordinating their efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints Day and All Souls’ Day.

In his report to Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., QCPD deputy director Senior Superintendent Elmo San Diego, that police officers will be deployed in columbaria, cemeteries and memorial parks for crowd control and ensure order. Officers will also patrol parking lots to discourage car theft.

Policemen will also be deployed at bus terminals, malls and public parks to thwart possible attacks from terrorists who might take advantage of the situation. The annual exodus of people going to the provinces is expected to begin on Tuesday as Filipinos take advantage of the holiday and pay their respects to their dead.

Mayor Belmonte, through the city government’s Barangay Operations Center, has directed barangay security forces to coordinate with the police. Traffic directors from the city government’s Department of Public Safety (DPOS) will be deployed in and around cemeteries to ease the anticipated heavy traffic. Quezon City is home to several large cemeteries — the public cemeteries of Bagbag in Novaliches, Baesa and La Loma, and three private cemeteries, Eternal Gardens Memorial Park in Balumbato, Himlayang Pilipino in Tandang Sora, and Holy Cross on Quirino Highway.

The police said special concern will also be given to large memorial homes like Funeraria Paz, St. Peter’s and Loyola, all three along Araneta Avenue, during the holiday.

Manuel Sabalza assistant city administrator for operations and DPOS head, said more than 300 traffic enforcers from the DPOS, QC Traffic Enforcement Group and Metro Manila Development Authority will set up a command post to implement a traffic re-routing plan to ensure a smooth flow of traffic on roads leading to the cemeteries, starting as early as 6 a.m. on Oct. 31.

Those going to La Loma Cemetery, motorists are advised that A. Bonifacio Avenue will be closed to traffic on Nov. 1.

Those visiting Eternal Gardens Memorial Park, motorists are not allowed to enter Maximina and Leyland Drives. For those going to Holy Cross, Pablo S. dela Cruz Street, will be closed to vehicular traffic.

Mario Sanchez, assistant DPOS chief said the traffic re-routing will be implemented only inside the city’s private cemeteries. He said traffic signs will be installed by the memorial parks’ respective managements.

Barangay officials, particularly from District II, will also be mobilized to provide assistance in traffic management in their respective areas during the holiday.