Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa today personally inspected bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place ahead of the All Saints’ Day holiday rush.
“We have secured different areas of convergence, especially for the travelers here at the bus stations, and then in airports, because we expect a lot of people probably on Thursday because Friday is a holiday,” The Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted Gamboa as saying in English and Filipino.
“Of course later this weekend people would then go to the cemeteries. So, these are the places where we placed the police, along with force multipliers to help people who will encounter health problems, traffic, and other problems,” he added.
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Most Filipinos travel from the cities to their respective hometowns during Undas (Filipino for All Saints’ Day) in order to visit the tombs of their deceased family members. They also use the holiday to touch base with family and friends they may not have seen for a long time.
Travelers from all over Metro Manila often pass through Cubao on their way home because the district is a transportation hub for many province-bound buses. Gamboa said that up to 7,000 people will be traveling through Cubao to their hometowns during Undas, RMN reports.
Gamboa promised that up to 35,000 policemen will be deployed during the holidays to ensure the safety of the public, and nearly 100,000 volunteers will also be on hand to assist them, according to GMA News.
The OIC also said the PNP has not heard of any serious security threats, but is prepared to respond to any incidents. He also reminded travelers not to divulge on social media their whereabouts during the long weekend so as to confound would-be thieves.
“I wish to remind the public to be very conscious of their security. Especially if you’re going to leave your house, don’t post your location on Facebook because other people will know that your house is empty. Tell your neighbors [to check your home] if you have no choice but to leave your home empty [during the break],” he said.
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