CEBU, Philippines — The observance of Undas 2023 was one of the most peaceful in years as seen in the significant decrease of crimes, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7.
Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of PRO-7 Director Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, said that they have noted a 40 percent decrease in crimes in Central Visayas from October 31 to November 2, 2023.
Within that period, 19 incidents were recorded by the police in Central Visayas, which is less compared to last year's Undas wherein 35 incidents were reported.
Further, Pelare said the 19 incidents did not occur within or in any part of cemeteries and were not related to the observation of the Kalag-Kalag.
“Kini nagpasabot nga effective atong deployment nga bisan og they (police) are very pre-occupied during election, when they transferred to the cemeteries they were able to dispense with their duties and responsibilities," said Pelare.
He added that the shooting incidents reported in Barangay Kalunasan and Barangay Mambaling did not affect the peace and order situation during Kalag-kalag and those cases have been resolved.
The cooperation of the people also helped to achieve a peaceful and orderly observance of the Kalag-Kalag, said Pelare.
“Makita sab nato ang katawhan sa Central Visayas very cooperative, generally they are peace loving individual, they just visit the cemeteries, wala’y illegal nga gibuhat. In fact nagkagamay ang na confiscate nga mga hinagiban during visit sa cemeteries, this manifest nga sila mismo nahibawo na sila nga bawal ning butanga, ni choose sila nga mosunod lang sa bala-od,” added Pelare. (CEBU NEWS)