DILG asks LGUs to mobilize forces for 'Undas'

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo directed local government units to mobilize and deploy law enforcers and barangay tanods to the vicinity of cemeteries and memorial parks in order to ensure safe and peaceful observance of "Undas."

In a directive issued October 28, Robredo said that cops, barangay tanods and other security forces should be on guard during the entire duration of "Undas" as lawless elements may take advantage of the long weekend to perpetrate their crimes.

Robredo urged provincial governors and city and municipal mayors to immediately convene their local peace and order council to formulate an "Undas" action and contingency plan on peace and order and public safety. He said that such plans should contain strategies to be carried out by security forces before, during and immediately after the holiday.

Part of the plan should also include garbage collection and clean-up of cemeteries and other public places, especially after All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, he said.

He added that "as we honor our dead, let us make sure that we do not forsake our environment undertaking clean-up efforts after Undas."

The secretary also called for the setting up of help desks with trained medics along local and national roads to provide assistance to the travelling public. (PIA)