About 832 police officers will be deployed by the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) as the province celebrates “kalag-kalag” or All Saints’ Day.
Reports say that aside from cemeteries, police troopers will be also deployed in public areas such as churches, malls, and public transportation terminals in order to provide assistance and presence to thwart any possible criminal activities.
Former BPPO chief Col. Osmundo Salibo said that other government offices will provide additional force to the police units.
He made the pronouncement right before he turned over the command of the BPPO to the new chief Col. Lorenzo Batuan.
There would be around 1,757 force multipliers including volunteer groups who will help the police maintain peace and order during the occasion on Nov. 1, 2022.
Additional forces from the 47th Infantry Battalion will also be deployed in public areas in the province, the reports add.
A police assistance desk will be set up in public areas to provide help during the long holiday.
There are no work and classes on Oct. 31, 2022 and on Nov. 1, 2022 following the declaration of President Marcos Jr.
On the other hand, Tagbilaran City police chief Lt. Col. Regie Real told The Bohol Tribune that all city police personnel will be on hand to maintain the peace and order.
The city police force will be on full alert by Oct. 30, 2022 until the 1st of November 2022.
The bulk of police personnel shall be posted on the different cemeteries in the city to ensure peace and order.
Mayor Jane Yap in an interview on Oct. 28, 2022 over Open Forum, said that she encourages the people to still wear masks while inside the cemeteries.
Despite the fact that facemask wearing is now optional on outdoor settings, she still encourages the people to wear protection especially the vulnerable sectors of the population such as the senior citizens and those with comorbidities.
Moreover, the mayor said that the cemeteries will open from 6 am to 10 pm. No person shall be allowed to stay overnight inside the cemeteries, the mayor added.
Mayor Yap said speakers that will produce loud sounds are prohibited inside the cemeteries but special consideration will be given to those who would use speakers for the broadcast of Holy Mass.
Sharp objects and gambling paraphernalia are not allowed including intoxicating liquor inside the cemeteries, the mayor stressed during the interview.
This is the 1st time in 2 years that less restrictions are imposed on the people who would troop to the cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones.