Lobregat urges strict enforcement of ‘Oplan Todos los Santos’
Mayor Celso Lobregat has called on the police, military and all other concerned agencies to ensure the strict enforcement of the operation plan for the orderly and peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
Lobregat likewise appealed to local residents to fully cooperate and support the authorities by complying the guidelines set in the two executive orders he issued to guarantee peace and order and smooth traffic flow during the observance.
As a tradition, people are expected to flock the different public and private cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones especially tomorrow, All Saints’ Day.
Mayor Lobregat Wednesday met with members of the City Police, Task Force Zamboanga, personnel from the City Health Office, Red Cross, barangay chairmen from areas where major cemeteries are located, radio clubs, Kabalikat Alert and other stakeholders to finalize preparations for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The mayor said authorities should strictly implement the ban on gambling and bringing of liquor inside cemeteries as well as the prohibition on the carrying of firearms and other bladed weapons in cemeteries as provided for in his Executive Order 293, issued on October 14. Violators of the provisions of the order will be meted with penalties or sanctions.
Executive Order 292 issued the same day, on the other hand, directs the implementation of a traffic rerouting scheme in all roads leading to cemeteries.
Police personnel including the so-called force multipliers such as barangay tanods and other volunteer organizations will be deployed to the cemeteries. Health emergency teams will also be established in major cemeteries located in Tumaga (Forest Lake); Sta. Cruz, Sta. Maria, San Roque, Baliwasan and Talon-talon.
Similar traffic and security plans will also be enforced in the cemeteries located in the outlying barangays, according to Lobregat.
Meanwhile, government agencies such as the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Philippine Ports Authority in coordination with military and police authorities will set up assistance centers at the bus terminal and the port area to ensure the safety of the citizenry. (Sheila Covarrubias)