SAFER ‘UNDAS’. Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) Information Office chief Lt. Col. Willy Diel holds a press conference of their preparation for ‘Undas’ at the APPO in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, on Monday (Oct. 14, 2024). Diel said they are now coordinating with the barangay officials for a zero ‘Undas’-related incident. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) sought the support of village officials to ensure zero major incidents related to ‘Undas’ (All Saints and Souls Days) when residents visit their departed loved ones in cemeteries.
APPO Public Information Office chief Lt. Col. Willy Diel said in a press conference Monday they are coordinating with the barangay officials to help ensure the security of the public should they visit ahead of the Nov. 1 and 2 holidays.
“We are now coordinating with the barangay officials to help secure the cemeteries because of the public who come early to visit and clean the tombs of their departed loved ones,” Diel said.
They will also establish Police Assistance Desks (PADs) at the entrance and exit gates of the cemeteries two or three days before Nov. 1.
At least two personnel will be assigned to the PADs with augmentation from the Bureau of Fire Protection, barangay officials, tanods (force multipliers), and concerned government agencies.
“The public is also instructed to always stay vigilant so no untoward incident would happen to them while they are in the cemeteries,” Diel said.
The police also reminded the public that bringing bladed weapons, gambling, and drinking liquor are prohibited when visiting cemeteries.
The APPO did not record any ‘Undas’-related incident in 2023. (PNA)
