MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police has mobilized more than 57,000 augmentation force that will help in the security and public safety operations for the observance of All Saints Day.
PNP spokesperson Senior Superintendent Wilben Mayor said the PNP is enlisting the support of 57,266 "force multipliers" composed of 29,100 barangay watchmen and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), 15,229 private security guards, and 12,937 civilian volunteers.
These "force multipliers" will assist policemen in law enforcement and public safety operations in cemeteries and memorial parks, bus terminals, sea ports, airports, major tourist destinations, vital installations, places of worship, and travel routes, Mayor said.
He said the PNP is fielding a total of 41,602 police personnel from the 17 Police Regional Offices and National Support Units nationwide for "Oplan Ligtas Undas 2014."
"We welcome and acknowledge the participation and support of LGUs (local government units), NGOs (non-government units), civilian volunteer organizations, BPATs, civic groups and force multipliers to our security operations for the Halloween weekend holiday," Mayor said.
He said the PNP is taking into consideration the expected traditional exodus of city residents to the provinces mostly by overland transportation and also by sea and air to and from the island provinces.
The PNP leadership has alerted the National Capital Region Police Office districts to mobilize patrol teams in coordination with barangay authorities to organize “neighborhood watch groups” that will provide security to homes left unattended by vacationing residents.
Mayor encouraged travelling motorists and commuters to make their own travel plans with due consideration of possible contingencies during travel.
The PNP will establish Police Assistance Centers along major thoroughfares and highways for emergency road assistance. PACs will also be established in land, sea and air transportation terminals, piers, and airports to facilitate smooth and orderly security checks, boarding, and disembarkation.
Mayor said emergency hotline Patrol 117 and PNP SMS 0917-847-5757 will remain fully operational to serve as emergency and general calling channels for police, fire and medical emergencies.