Today's News

Friday, October 28, 2011

No deadly weapons, liquor, gambling inside cemeteries, PNP-7 warns
 By Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, October 28 (PIA) – Do not bring bladed weapons or any sharp objects, liquor and gambling are not allowed as well as boisterous music inside the cemeteries, top police officials inCebu told the public and warned violators of possible apprehension.

Cebu Provincial Police Director S/Supt. Patrocinio Commendador cited the “Dos’ and Donts’” for the public’s guide when they visit their dead relatives in the different cemeteries in the province.

“Those bringing in deadly weapons or any sharp objects will be arrested. With hundreds to thousands of people flocking the various cemeteries for the observance of All Saints and All Souls Day, there might be criminals that will take advantage of the situation. So at the entrance alone, police personnel will check individuals including their bags to ensure the safety of the public,” Commendador said.

Commendador also said liquors brought in will be confiscated and that gambling is a no-no and loud music is not allowed. “We go to the cemetery to visit our dead loved ones. It is a solemn occasion and not a time to rejoice. Also, we have to respect the other people who are there and not just think about ourselves,” the Cebu provincial police chief said.

The police official also urged the public to bring water with them and to dispose of their wastes inside the cemetery properly.

“Please bring ID card for your children who might get lost in the crowd,” Commendador said.

But most importantly, Commendador advised to make sure that one’s house is secure before going to the cemetery. “Robbers will likely exploit the occasion to strike on houses,” he said.

P/Supt. Glenn Ares of the Cebu City Police Office on the other hand, also advised the public not to wear jewelries and bring in a large amount of cash. (PIA-Cebu)

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PNP-7 chief orders C. Visayas police under heightened alert effective today
 By Fayette C. Riñen

CEBU CITY, October (28) -- Central Visayas Police Chief Gen. Marcelo Garbo placed the entire police force in the region under heightened alert effective today, October 28 until November 2 as part of the security measures to ensure a peaceful observation of the All Saints and All Souls Day.

Its all system go for the security preparations for the long holidays as Garbo said all city and provincial police offices have submitted their respective “Undas” security plan.

Garbo has directed police commanders to ensure the safety of the passengers in the different bus and seaport terminals as an upsurge of passengers is expected to go home today.

Domestic arrivals is expected to increase by at least 30 percent as assistance desks are placed at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) to cater to passengers’ concerns, this is said.

The MCIA also put additional security officers to man the x-ray machines for incoming and departing passengers, according to Police C/Insp. Donatila Sotto of the PNP Center for Aviation Security(PCAS) 7.

Sotto said bomb sniffing dogs will also be employed at the airport to ensure the safety of passengers.

The Philippine Coast Guard – Central Eastern Visayas has already started inspecting the seaworthiness of vessels and asked shipping management to prepare their passenger manifest early to avoid delay in trip schedules.

Likewise, both the regional offices of the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) are also inspecting the road worthiness of passenger buses and V-hires while the LTFRB is issuing special permits for additional trips to accommodate the increasing volume of passengers.

Garbo warned police commanders to implement in detail the security plans they have submitted as inspection teams will monitor whether the security measures are really in place. (PIA-Cebu)