A TOTAL of 14,148 security forces will be deployed to assure the safety of Davaoeños visiting public and private cemeteries in the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) head Angel Sumagaysay said “all systems go” for OPLAN Kalag-Kalag as the planning involved the private cemeteries’ management to know the guidelines and avoid confusion.
“Aside sa local government nga involved, gi-invite pud nato ang private, para at least one page lang ta kung naa i-implement,” Sumagaysay said.
A total of 3,462 will be deployed on Oct 31; 3,612 on Nov.1 and Nov.2, and 3,462 on Nov. 3 to cover 38 cemeteries in the city.
The security force will come from support agencies including City Economic Enterprise, Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, Davao City Police Office (DCPO), Task Force Davao, City Transport and Traffic Management Office, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Ancillary Units, among others.
Sumagaysay emphasized that the deployment of personnel for Undas must not be confused with the DCPO’s deployed forces for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
“Hopefully, ma-maintain nato ang security personnel sa atong mga sementeryo,” Sumagaysay said.
Meanwhile, staying overnight in cemeteries will be prohibited as visiting hours from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 will only be allowed from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. with the cut-off time of entry being 9 p.m.
The 14 private cemeteries were consulted before the new guideline was finalized, Sumagaysay said.
“Just imagine, four days, kung mag overnight, hago nana sila, tao pud na sila eh and of course, security and safety reasons, ngano kami nagkauyon,” he added.
Included in the strictly prohibited activities are the wearing of jackets, bringing of backpacks, playing loud music or karaoke, gambling, bringing alcoholic drinks and sharp/pointed objects, likewise with firearms except those with exemptions from the Commission on Elections.
Drones will not be allowed and vagrants, loiterers, and scavengers will be denied entry. Pedestrians shall observe a “one-entrance policy.” However, vehicles shall follow a “one-entrance, one exit policy” as stated in the guidelines.
Elderly individuals with comorbidities, immuno-compromised, pregnant, unvaccinated, and symptomatic are encouraged to wear masks.
