By Xander Ledesma
In anticipation of the traditional All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day gatherings, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and Bacolod City Fire Station (BCFS) have mobilized to secure 14 cemeteries and memorial parks across Bacolod, ensuring a safe and orderly observance of Undas for thousands of residents and visitors.
Capt. Ma. Liberty Indiape, BCPO’s public information officer, highlighted that the coordination between the police and Bacolod Traffic Authority Office is essential for managing the high volume of traffic as residents travel to visit cemeteries. “We have partnered with our Traffic Enforcement Unit to implement both security and traffic measures, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for Bacolodnons throughout the two-day celebration,” she said.
In preparation for Undas, the BCPO has set up Police Assistance Desks (PADs) at each cemetery, manned by two officers who are equipped with radio handsets for quick response. Capt. Joel Portos, assistant chief of the BCPO City Operations Management Unit, stated that these PADs serve as points of contact where the public can report any issues directly to the police. He added that mobile patrols are on standby in various locations to handle incidents and assist with crowd management, aided by force multipliers and volunteers in traffic operations.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) also plays a critical role in the Undas operation, with its Bacolod City Fire Station dispatching 114 personnel across 13 cemeteries, as well as at the city’s seaport and bus terminals, as part of its Oplan Kaluluwa 2024 deployment. BCFS personnel are positioned with ambulances and fire trucks to provide immediate response if needed and are actively distributing fire safety leaflets to the public.
Throughout the Philippines, Undas draws large crowds to cemeteries and memorial parks, with millions gathering to honor departed loved ones. In recent years, public safety measures have intensified to manage these gatherings and mitigate risks associated with the high foot traffic. In Bacolod, this approach includes coordination among the Philippine National Police, BFP, and local government units to prevent any untoward incidents.
For Bacolod City’s 11 private memorial parks and three public cemeteries, the combined presence of police and fire personnel is part of a broader effort across the country to provide a peaceful and secure environment during this culturally significant period.