The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bohol have declared their preparedness to deal with emergencies across the province as Filipinos nationwide flock to cemeteries in observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) acting provincial director Colonel Jonathan Cabal said that 1,500 police officers will be deployed in various cemeteries and other key locations in the province during the holiday break.

The entire PNP meanwhile has been placed under a full alert status, which places all units on standby and entails the cancellation of all leaves.

According to Cabal, most of the BPPO’s personnel will be stationed at the airport, seaports and bus terminals which are expected to draw throngs of people.

Force multipliers such as barangay tanods and fire and rescue volunteers are also expected to extend assistance to the PNP and BFP.

Like in previous years, police assistance desks will be set up at the entrances of cemeteries all over the province.

Meanwhile, acting fire marshal Chief Insp. Raul Bustaliño, placed the entire BFP in Bohol under heightened alert status on Monday.

BFP personnel were deployed to both private and public cemeteries for safety inspections.

Fire authorities also started to make rounds at neighborhoods to remind the public of safety measures during the the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Bustaliño called on the public to be vigilant during the holiday break as homes are often left unattended with families trooping to cemeteries to pay their respects to the dead.

He said that residents should always unplug appliances before going out of the house and should never leave lighted candles unattended. (rt)