Cops to assist people returning to urban centers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday ordered its personnel to continue to help people returning to urban centers from the provinces after the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day observance over the weekend.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima gave the directive as he noted that All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day observance was generally peaceful.

Purisima instructed police units and personnel manning police assistance centers in major thoroughfares and transportation terminals to remain in their posts to lend a hand to travelers returning to the urban centers.

Reports reaching PNP headquarters showed that inbound passengers continue to pour into land, sea and air transportation terminals in Metro Manila following the two-day traditional Filipino celebration to honor the departed.

Meanwhile, Purisima lauded all PNP commanders and personnel responsible in the implementation of "Ligtas Undas 2014" security plan.

The PNP National Operations Center recorded seven separate untoward incidents that marred the "Undas" celebrations in different parts of the country including a hostage-taking at the Manila North Cemetery, an LPG tank explosion in Taguig City, a stabbing in Bulacan, two separate cases of firearms discharge in Carmen, Bohol and Babatngon, Leyte; and attempted "agaw-armas" in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental; and a fire in Benguet.

The PNP deployed a total of 42,035 police personnel for Oplan "Ligtas Undas 2014", backed by some 50,000 force multipliers composed of barangay tanod and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team members, private security guards, civilian volunteers, and non-government organizations.