1,577 cops deployed in south Metro Manila for Undas

MANILA, Philippines - The Southern Police District (SPD) on Tuesday announced that it will deploy 1,577 police personnel to secure 30 cemeteries and other vital installations in south Metro Manila during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

SPD director Chief Supt. Henry Rañola said in a press briefing that the 1,579 police personnel will be augmented by 200 police officers from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) of the National Capital Region Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and by 2,495 barangay security personnel and security guards.

Aside from the 30 cemeteries, the SPD will also provide security to 13 bus terminals, four airports, 20 shopping malls and stations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) within the district’s area of coverage.

Rañola met with the chiefs of police of Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Taguig and Pateros at the SPD headquarters in Taguig City and mapped-out the district’s security plan.

Rañola said the SPD’s deployment is aimed at both securing people who will be visiting the various cemeteries in south Metro Manila and also neighborhoods that may fall prey to thieves such as the dreaded Akyat Bahay Gang.

"We just want to ensure a peaceful commemoration of the All Saints and All Souls’ days by the public," Rañola said.

Rañola also ordered the seven police chiefs of the SPD to intensify round-the-clock foot and mobile patrols in their respective areas to deter crimes.

The SPD also reminded those who will be visiting the cemeteries not to bring inside bladed weapons, firearms, sound systems, liquor, illegal drugs and other prohibited items. The SPD said these items would be confiscated at the cemetery entrance.