The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental is banning alcoholic beverages inside the cemeteries during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day this weekend, an official said yesterday.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), told the Philippine News Agency that this prohibition must be strictly enforced by the police in towns and cities to avert crimes and other offenses.

“The provincial police director, Colonel Criscente Tiguelo, already directed the police chiefs ahead of the observance of Undas to coordinate with the local government units [LGUs] on local ordinances stipulating prohibitions at the cemeteries on these days,” Polinar said.

He noted that LGUs have varied prohibitions relative to the carrying of firearms, the playing of loud music, and gambling in the cemeteries.

Additionally, caretakers or managers of private cemeteries also have the discretion to impose regulations or prohibitions during the Undas observance, he said.

The NOrPPO is on heightened alert from October 29 to November 3.

It is deploying all its personnel in the towns and cities for the twin religious celebrations, while a reactionary force from the provincial police headquarters is on standby.

Police assistance desks are set up at the cemeteries, churches, passenger terminals, the airport, sea ports, and other places of convergence to ensure public safety.

Simultaneously, the Coast Guard in Negros Oriental has assigned personnel to aid passengers and crew of vessels moving to and from the province, for a safe, secure and organized flow of travelers.

Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, commander of Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, said that their personnel will carry out safety inspections and oversee port activities to guarantee adherence to maritime safety standards, preventing maritime incidents and ensuring smooth port operations during Undas. (PNA)