Nearly 28,000 people flock to south metro cemeteries

MANILA, Philippines - Some 28,000 people have visited cemeteries in south Metro Manila on Friday with the situation remaining peaceful, the Southern Police District reported.

As of noon, the SPD said the crowd estimate was at 27,753 in cemeteries in the cities of Pasay, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Paranaque and in the municipality of Pateros.

Earlier, SPD Director Chief Supt. Henry Rañola said the district was deploying 1,579 officers to be augmented by 200 officers from the Regional Public and Safety Battalion (RPSB) of the National Capital Region Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

The police officers will be supported by a 2,495-strong “force multiplier group” composed of barangay security teams, amateur radio groups and security guards.

Aside from the 30 public and private cemeteries in the south Metro Manila, the SPD is keeping watch on 13 bus terminal, four airports, 20 shopping malls and some stations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) that are located in its jurisdiction.

The SPD is reminding those who will be trekking to the cemeteries not to bring with them alcoholic drinks, gambling paraphernalia, sound systems and bladed objects as these would be confiscated by police at the cemetery gates.

According to the SPD, the security 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," SPD director, Chief Supt. Henry Rañola said.

Ranola 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.