'Oplan Undas' Set in Bikol

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 27  - All preparations are in place for "Oplan Undas", a security measure for the upcoming All Saints' Day, which is a religious tradition observed throughout the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

Police Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol PNP spokesman, said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), PNP, Philippine Army, Department of Health (DOH) and civic organizations have joined forces to implement Oplan Undas in the six provinces of Bicol.

Bron said as agreed upon, an Oplan Undas Task Force will be established to put up checkpoints, assistance centers, police and military visibility in vital points and installations across the region.

Hundreds of policemen and military personnel will be deployed to beef up the existing police and military personnel in the maintenance of peace and order during the All Saints and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2.

Bron said "police and military personnel including civilian law enforcers are on full alert during this period."

The task force will be on 24-hour duty and will man various airports, major seaports, bus terminals, malls, and private and public cemeteries across the region.

They will also provide traffic, security and medical assistance to commuters coming from other regions and provinces who are taking their vacations for the All Saints Day.

Police will set up assistance centers in all private and public cemeteries and check individuals bringing in any kind of liquor, firearms and any bladed weapon inside the cemetery. (PNA)