MANILA– Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno directed all city and municipal mayors to be the public’s partners in ensuring peaceful and safe ‘Undas’, 2016 or All Saints Day.
Sueno called on mayors to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in cemeteries and other public places before, during and after Undas 2016.
“Undas is an important Filipino tradition. The Department calls on mayors to convene their respective local peace and order councils to formulate a contingency plan on peace and order and public safety,” said Sueno.
He also enjoined mayors to mobilize and deploy law enforcers, barangay tanods, and medical personnel in public and private cemeteries and memorial parks, local and national roads to assist the traveling public and motorists, intensify effective traffic management, prevent entry and exit of lawless elements and apprehend individuals violating rules.
He added that the DILG was working closely with the Philippine National Police in the observance of safe and peaceful event of family gathering.
“The All Saints’ Day weekend is time for Filipino families and relatives to be together, bond, and remember their loved ones who passed away. The DILG, local governments, and the police force are your partners for a peaceful Undas 2016,” he said.
The DILG Secretary likewise called on the public to secure themselves in their travels and protect their houses before leaving for the cemeteries.
The public is also advised to immediately report any unusual incident through government hotlines: Itaga Mo Sa Bato App (the PNP Reporting Application in android phones), National Emergency Hotline 911, and National Citizens Complaint Hotline 8888. PNA-northboundasia.com