The entire Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) has been placed on “full alert” status yesterday as part of the upcoming All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day observance. The designation means the entire police force is on duty.
NOPPO director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, said all personnel are expected to render duty and those on leave were recalled.
A total 448 police personnel will be deployed and will man the various police assistance desks at the province’s 90 cemeteries, 47 bus terminals, and 16 seaports.
Remaining personnel will continue to perform regular police functions such as conducting patrols, border control, and checkpoint operations.
Baleros said barangay tanods and volunteers will also assist police in maintaining peace and order and, if necessary, render medical services.
The law enforcement official also encouraged police personnel to visit their departed relatives prior to their November 1 and 2 deployment to ensure their personal matters do not interfere with their respective duties.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Bacolod City Market Coordinating and Monitoring Task Force requested the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass a resolution allowing flower vendors to sell flowers along some public roads during the upcoming observance.
Executive Assistant Ernesto Pineda, who heads the task force, said flower vendors have been selling their wares across the city for several years, including areas such as the Bacolod Public Plaza, along the Burgos Street, and in front of the Bacolod City Public Cemetery./DGB, WDJ