AS the police secure communities during the coming Undas holidays, the acting National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., on Thursday called on the public to be on the lookout against common crimes that historically occur during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
In a statement, Nartatez said that citizen awareness is the crucial first line of defense against opportunistic offenders.
‘Traditionally, the common incidents during Undas are theft, snatching and robbery. These are offenses that thrive in large, distracted crowds where people let their guard down,’ he said.
‘We want to empower our people to protect themselves and their families by being alert in crowded areas like cemeteries, terminals, and public transport hubs,’ Nartatez added.
He advised the public to avoid carrying large amounts of cash when visiting cemeteries, columbaria, and other memorial sites.
He also reminded people not to place gadgets or mobile phones in back pockets as such items could easily be targeted by pickpockets in crowded areas.
To prevent altercations and maintain peace, the PNP noted that liquor is not allowed in certain areas.
The police likewise reminded the public to refrain from bringing prohibited items such as weapons, sharp objects, and illegal drugs inside cemeteries.
The PNP urged the public to exercise extra caution and look after children, senior citizens, and pregnant individuals who may be vulnerable in large crowds.
In line with this, police intelligence units were tasked to proactively monitor potential criminal groups and threat groups.
More than 50,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide as PNP is placed on a heightened alert from October 29 to November 3 to provide visible presence and deter criminal activity for this year’s Undas.
In addition, police assistance desks have been established across the country to provide immediate help to the public and facilitate the rapid reporting of lost items, emergencies, or suspicious activities.
DSWD on alert
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is on heightened alert nationwide in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group, who also serves as the DSWD spokesperson, assured the public that the agency has sufficient stockpiles of relief goods, including ready-to-eat food (RTEF), family food packs (FFPs), and other essential items, particularly for individuals who might get stranded while traveling.
‘We have prepositioned family food packs in our warehouses and ready-to-eat meals in various ports. Our food and non-food supplies are more than adequate,’ Dumlao emphasized.
She said the agency aims to ensure immediate assistance to families and individuals who may need support during the long holiday period.
‘Secretary Rex Gatchalian has issued a directive to all regional directors to make sure that our field offices are fully prepared to assist travelers returning to their provinces,’ she said.
She added that DSWD Quick Response Teams (QRTs) across the country are also on standby to respond to emergencies and provide support to local governments (LGUs) if additional assistance is required.
‘At DSWD, disaster preparedness is a year-round effort. We never stop working, even during Undas, to ensure we can immediately provide aid to those affected by the influx of travelers returning home,’ Dumlao said.
Red Cross ready
THE Red Cross (PRC) will deploy more than 2,200 volunteers and setting up nearly 300 first aid stations nationwide to ensure the safety and well-being of travelers and cemetery-goers during the observance of Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day) from October 30 to November 2.
During a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Wednesday, PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang said the organization began preparations two weeks ahead by enlisting volunteers and conducting refresher trainings, briefings and orientations to ensure readiness.
‘So, this year, mayroon po tayong isi-setup na 295 first aid stations, 66 ambulance units na idi-deploy natin [This year, we will set up 295 first aid stations and deploy 66 ambulances all over the country],’ she said.
‘Mayroon po tayong 190 ambulances, pero 66 lang idi-deploy natin, iyong the rest po ay naka-standby sa ating mga Red Cross offices. sa mga chapters natin nationwide [We have 190 ambulances nationwide, but 66 will be deployed, the rest will be on standby in our Red Cross chapters],’ she added.
To complement the operations, the PRC will also deploy 100 foot patrol teams in areas where vehicles cannot enter, such as narrow cemetery paths, resorts and crowded public spaces.
Another 59 mobile units and 155 welfare desks will be stationed across key locations, Pang said.
The PRC will operate in over 200 cemeteries, including major ones, and in 25 areas located near cemeteries or popular tourist spots.
Volunteers will also be assigned to airports, seaports, highways, bus terminals, barangay halls and fuel stations.
The welfare desks, according to Pang, will assist lost children and individuals needing help to contact family members or report missing belongings.
These stations will also support stranded passengers by providing food packs and assistance.
In 2024, the PRC assisted more than 11,000 individuals during Undas, most of whom suffered from minor injuries such as abrasions, burns, insect bites, dizziness, chest pain and high blood pressure.
A few major cases, including heart-related incidents, severe burns, and fractures, required hospital transport.
Pang reminded the public to stay in good physical condition before traveling and to secure their homes before leaving.
She also cautioned against announcing travel plans on social media and to inform only trusted neighbors or relatives to watch over their homes.
For motorists, Pang recommended performing the ‘Blowbagets’ safety check-Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, and Self-before hitting the road.
She also emphasized safety reminders against distracted and drunk driving.
For emergencies, the public is urged to call PRC’s Hotline 143 for immediate assistance.