Liquor, gambling, weapons banned at cemeteries-PRO6

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — To avoid inconvenience and possible litigations, the Police Regional Office-6 reminded the public that bringing of liquor, gambling materials, and deadly weapons to the cemeteries is strictly prohibited.

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr., PRO-6 director, said policemen stationed at the cemeteries all over Western Visayas were already tasked to make sure that the prohibited items will not make their way inside the cemeteries.

Querol said, to ensure peaceful observance of All Saints' and All Souls' Days on November 1 and 2, the public must support the police's anti-criminality campaign by becoming cautious of their safety and security during this holiday. 

"If possible, do not bring large amount of cash and other valuables when visiting cemeteries or churches," he said, adding that residents must not leave their houses and property unattended.

Querol said PRO-6 has already mapped out its security preparations for the 2-day holiday activities, during which police units in the region will be placed on full alert status.

He also directed all unit commanders to review and update their security and traffic plans based on last year's experience and the prevailing situation.

Police personnel will be deployed to areas of convergence for 24-hour police visibility and other public safety services. This would include personnel of the 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion and members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT).

Members of the Brgy. Peacekeeping Action Team (BPATs), other force multipliers and volunteer groups were also tapped to help in intelligence monitoring, crime prevention and control, assist in traffic direction and on rescue operations, especially during road mishaps.

Aside from cemeteries and churches, police will also patrol commercial centers, bus terminals, seaports, cemeteries, churches and major thoroughfares, said Querol. (FREEMAN)