MANILA, Philippines - The observance of All Saints Day in the different cemeteries of south Metro Manila was generally peaceful, the Southern Police District (SPD) reported Saturday.
As of 3 p.m. Saturday, the SPD said there were no reported untoward incidents, said SPD spokesperson Superintendent Jenny Tecson, with 35,500 trooping to the various cemeteries in south Metro Manila.
In Makati City, Superintendent Jaime Santos at least 15,000 went to the Manila South Cemetery. Santos said there were also no untoward incident reported.
Earlier, SPD Director, Chief Superintendent Henry Rañola said the district was deploying 1,579 officers to be augmented by 200 officers from the Regional Public and Safety Battalion of the National Capital Region Capital Region Police Office.
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 and Metro Rail Transit that are located in its jurisdiction.
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 Superintendent 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.