More cops deployed for Oplan Kaluluwa

By Mar S. Arguelles LEGAZPI CITY --- Hundreds of policemen will be deployed to beef up existing police forces across the six provinces of Bicol as security measures for the upcoming All Souls Day on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol announced yesterday. Police Senior Inspector Malu Calubaquib, PNP Bicol spokesperson, said police checkpoints and assistance centers would be set up in cemeteries, major highways, airports, seaports and bus terminals as security measures on All Souls day-- a religious tradition observed throughout the country. Calubaquib said that security preparation is in place for “Oplan Kaluluwa,” where additional policemen would be deployed to support various police assistance centers set up in cemeteries, terminals, ports, and highways. She said PNP in Bicol will be on full alert status, policemen would not be allowed to go on leave and to those who are on leave would be recalled and be put on duty during the religious observance. “ The measure would ensure the safety of all residents and visitors that would be arriving here to observe the All Souls Day,” Calubaquib said. The police assistance centers will assist incoming and outgoing passengers in the cities of Naga, Legazpi, and Masbate and in Virac town in Catanduanes. She said checkpoints would be set up to assist motorists and other visitors from other places to observe the religious observance. Security checks would strictly be enforced in bus terminals and major seaports across the region, she added. Calubaquib said they are closely coordinating with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), DPWH, Philippine Army, Department of Health (DOH) and Civic organization to implement Oplan Kaluluwa in the six provinces of Bicol.