LAOAG CITY (Nov. 3) – Laoag City Chief of Police Supt. Sterling Blanco reported that the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days was generally peaceful in this city as no major untoward incident occurred during the two-day event.
Thousands of Laoageñeos flocked to the cemeteries as they visited and offered flowers and prayers to their departed loved ones.
Both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines have been placed on full alert status during the occasion.
Colonel Blanco commended all his police personnel for the “excellent job” of providing security and public safety services to the people.
He also expressed gratitude to those non-governmental organizations (NGOs), volunteer groups, and other government agencies for their assistance and cooperation.
Blanco also cited that role of all barangay officials and tanods who assisted them in the maintenance of peace and order during the celebration.
As part of police visibility, Blanco said he deployed uniformed lawmen and plainclothes in various public cemeteries and memorial parks.
Police teams also conducted foot patrol to ensure order.
During the operation “Kapkap”, some cemetery-goers were held for carrying knives and other deadly weapons. Others were caught for trying to sneak in bottles of liquor which was a violation of the liquor ban.
Blanco said police patrol also guarded the entire city to avert any plans of the Akyat Bahay gang to rob houses when owners or occupants were out in the cemeteries.
Meanwhile, Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas expressed gratitude to all barangay officials and tanods for their major participation in maintaining peace and order in the city during the activities.
