No untoward incident reported in NegOr during ‘Undas’

FILE: FLOWERS FOR THE DEPARTED. Flowers sell briskly at the Golden Heaven cemetery in Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas City costing PHP50 to PHP300 as demand goes up during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental reported Friday that no major crime incident occurred in the province during the twin observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

Acting provincial police director, Senior Supt. Edwin Portento, said he terminated Friday morning the deployment of police personnel for the “Oplan Kalag-kalag” (Halloween) security operations.

Hundreds of police personnel plus those coming from augmentation units, such as the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Central Visayas, were deployed early this week to ensure a safe, peaceful and orderly celebration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

According to Portento, only minor incidents were reported on these days, such as that of a pick-up truck that fell off the pier at the wharf in nearby Sibulan town.

In that incident, no one was reported hurt as initial investigation showed the driver appeared to have stepped on the accelerator instead of the brakes as it maneuvered the vehicle into a loading position on a barge bound for Cebu.

The police also have not reported any theft or robbery incident, said Portento.

He thanked the people of Negros Oriental for their cooperation and support, as this made it easier for them to carry out their tasks.

Other minor crime incidents, such as physical injuries, that took place on these dates were outside areas of convergence — the cemeteries, churches, bus terminals, seaports and the airport, said Portento.

Because of the peaceful and orderly observance and effective security measures during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the Central Visayas Police congratulated the provinces of Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.

Checkpoints put up during these days also did not yield any illegal item, such as loose firearms or prohibited drugs, the provincial police director said.

It’s back to normal assignments for everyone in the PNP in Negros Oriental but Portento said they will soon be gearing up again for security plans for the Dumaguete fiesta celebration on the third week of November and all throughout the holiday season. (PNA)