ILOILO City – With the early observance of “Fiesta Minatay”, the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) is reminding the public to secure their homes before leaving for the cemetery.
Lawless elements just waiting for the opportunity to strike, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis, PRO-6 spokesperson.
He shared these safety “Undas” tips:
Before leaving
* Lock all doors and windows and ensure all possible paths to the house are blocked.
* Do not leave notes outside the house indicating you will be away.
* Keep some appliances like the radio on to give the impression there’s someone inside.
* Ask a trusted neighbor to keep watch over your house.
* Ensure that all electric appliances are unplugged.
* Secure protection against heat and rain.
* Do not bring deadly or bladed weapons, loud speakers and gambling paraphernalia.
When traveling
* Before the trip, make sure the vehicle is roadworthy and in good condition.
* Bring all pertinent documents for the vehicle, including the insurance certificate.
* Make sure the doors are locked and the windows closed, especially if there are children.
* Do not drive when drunk or sleepy and do not use the phone while driving.
To commuters
* Do not wear jewelry and huge amounts of money.
* Be watchful over your mobile phone.
* Be wary of snatchers and petty thieves.
Solis said cemetery visitors should observe the minimum health protocols such as wearing of facemasks and face shields, hand washing and social distancing.
The PRO-6 will deploy over 2,000 policemen to cemeteries across Western Visayas to enforce the five-day closure (Oct. 29 to Nov. 2) ordered by the national government.
The policemen will render 24-hour duty, according to Solis.
Their security coverage includes the enforcement of prohibited acts/practices in cemeteries like bringing of firearms, bladed weapons, drinking of alcohol, gambling, loud music, and other activities specified by the respective local government ordinances.
“Violators may face arrest,” Solis said.
Policemen will also be visible in malls, transport terminals, churches, resorts, and other strategic areas./PN
