Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) spokesperson, Police Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, said they have declared a “red alert status” on preparations for the upcoming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day observances, which run from November 1 to 2.

In a press conference held yesterday, Vargas cautioned those heading to the public cemeteries to avoid bringing sharp objects, such as knives, blades, and scissors.

She said the items would be confiscated by police, which would be placed at the entrance points of public cemeteries.

Items such as alcoholic beverages, playing cards, and radio sets that generate loud music will also not be allowed.

It is estimated around 310 personnel from Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6), which were earlier posted in the city for the MassKara Festival, will be assigned to police stations that have cemeteries within their jurisdiction, such as Police Station 4 (PS4).

Additional personnel will also be placed at various transport terminals, such as the North and South Bus Terminals, and the Bredco and Banago port.

She also reiterated, several police assistance desks will be placed at terminals and along major thoroughfares throughout the city.

Vargas added, those planning on long vacations should secure their homes properly and seek the help of trusted neighbors to watch their houses, as it is expected thieves and robbers might take advantage of the long holiday in order to do their dirty work.

Aside from the 310 cops, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Bacolod Station commander, Lieutenant Senior Grade Jimmy Oliver Vingno, said around 100 PCG, PCG-Auxiliary, and a small detachment of the Philippine Marine Corps would be used in order to secure the major ports, not just in Bacolod City, but in other parts of Negros Occidental./DGB, WDJ