It’s that time of year again.
Security has been tightened at airports, bus terminals, and piers as many Metro Manila residents have started leaving for the provinces for the long weekend. Traditionally, Catholics in the country commemorate All Saints’ Day (Nov 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov 2) by visiting the graves of their loved ones. Since many of those who have settled in Metro Manila originally came from other areas in the country, there’s an exodus-of-sorts from Metro Manila during such holidays (Oct 31, Monday, and Nov 1, Tuesday, have been declared official holidays.).
“On Fri, Oct 28, at least 7,000 passengers departed for the provinces form the Araneta Center bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. This was 2,000 more than the usual daily departure of passengers,” reports Ivy Bernardo on InterAksyon.com.
The report noted: “Aside from the security personnel of the terminal, soldiers and policemen have been deployed to provide additional security. Airport authorities likewise reminded passengers to avoid bringing lead amulets, bullets, sharp objects, and other banned items.”
Metro Manila cemeteries, such as the Manila North Cemetery, are also bracing for the crowds. In fact, the 54-hectare Manila North Cemetery installed 16 new closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to further ensure the security mechanisms in the premises.
