Armed Forces of the Philippines prepare security for All Saints Day and All Souls Day.
As the country prepares to commemorate All Saints Day and All Souls Day next week, all military units were ordered to intensify their intelligence monitoring and security operations.
This was the order of Armed Forces chief of staff General Ricardo Visaya days before the Filipinos flock to cemeteries for the holidays.
Together with this, Visaya also instructed the military units to actively coordinate with their counterparts in Philippine National Police through the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC). This aims to prepare for and thwart all possible threats that may arise during the two-day holiday.
The directive was issued by Visayas to the unified commands of AFP, Joint Task Force NCR (JTF-NCR), and Major Service Commanders on October 24.
In a press statement, the AFP Chief said, “vigilance and profiling of threat groups will be an edge of our security forces. Criminal and terrorist groups may take advantage of the gathering of people in bus terminals, air and sea ports. We will keep an eye on other places of convergence like cemeteries especially during this long weekend.”
Under this directive, the unified commands, the JTF-NCR and their counterparts in the PNP are expected to employ measures to secure public facilities and other vital establishments where a big crowd will gather.
On the other hand, the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy, remain on alert and ready to augment additional troops to support the Unified Commands.
According to Visaya, the AFP and PNP will maximize their presence through conducting checkpoints in critical areas within their area of responsibility. The deployment of K9 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams will complement the teams at possible entry and exit points in urban centers.
The official noted the AFP was one with the people in looking forward to a peaceful and meaningful commemoration and visitation of their departed loved ones in cemeteries nationwide.
“We assure our people that your soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen are on their toes,” Visaya said.
As the public’s contribution to joint efforts to make the All Saints Day and All Souls Day safe and secured, Visaya asked the public to cooperate and remain vigilant.
