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By Francis Earl Cueto , Christian Crow Maghanoy and Red Mendoza, Manila Times
PEOPLE planning to visit the graves of their loved ones on All Saints' Day or All Souls' Day were advised by the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief to do it this weekend instead.
"This coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday are the best days to consider when planning to visit cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria, and other holiday places of convergence to avoid crowding," Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said after making the rounds of cemeteries, bus terminals and seaports on Friday.
"So far so good. All deployments are in place according to our security plan tailored on the situations expected," he said.
All Saints' Day this year falls on a Tuesday, and All Souls' Day on a Wednesday, creating a rare four-day holiday.
It will be the first time in two years that cemeteries and similar sites will be fully reopened, after they were closed or had restricted access because of the Covid pandemic.
PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo earlier reminded residents who will be leaving their homes for the long weekend to secure their homes not only against thieves but from possible flooding due to Storm "Paeng."
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suspended the expanded number coding scheme from October 29 to November 1.
MMDA spokesman Mel Carunungan said the suspension was part of the preparations of the Metro traffic bureau for the long weekend.
Carunungan also said at least 1,500 traffic enforcers will be fielded in major transport terminals to manage the expected swarm of travelers. The enforcers will be backed up by 300 personnel from the MMDA's clearing operations group, she said.
The MMDA and North and South Luzon Expressways were also working closely to ensure a smooth flow of motorists, Carunungan said.
Vehicles with license plates ending in one to four will be able to travel within the National Capital Region (NCR) within coding hours during the long weekend.
The number coding scheme aims to reduce traffic volume in Metro Manila by 20 percent during peak hours.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, an average of 405,000 vehicles plied EDSA daily.
7 roads in Quezon City to be closed for weekend repairs
The MMDA also said at least eight major roads in the National Capital Region will be temporarily closed during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day for reblocking and repairs.
It said the Department of Public Works and Highways will close the following roads starting Sunday, October 30, until November 2:
1. EDSA Northbound, Quezon City after Boni Serrano flyover to before P. Tuazon flyover third lane from the sidewalk (fast lane), after P. Tuazon flyover to before EDSA/Aurora Boulevard tunnel first lane from the center island (fast lane/ Bus Carousel), after Aurora Boulevard to near New York Street second lane from the center island (fast lane)
2. Cloverleaf NLEx NB to segment of EDSA NB (inner lane)
3. Cloverleaf (Chainage 000- Chainage 234) going to NLEx SB
4. Roosevelt Avenue corner EDSA SB
5. Payatas Road, Quezon City near Amlac Ville Subdivision
6. Along C-5 Service Road, Barangay Bagong Ilog (in front of Corazon Funeral Services), along Lanuza corner D. Julia Vargas near Valle Verde, along Pasig Boulevard, Barangay Bagong Ilog near Rizal Medical Center
7. C-5 Road SB (2nd lane) Makati City
8. Along EDSA SB Quezon City (Balingasa Creek to Oliveros Footbridge)
The roads will be fully passable by 4 a.m on November 2.
Motorists were advised to take alternate routes
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its medical assets and services for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day amid the threat of Storm Paeng.
In a statement, the PRC said it has mobilized 1,104 trained personnel and 222 staff nationwide, as well as 217 first-aid stations and 67 ambulances in 235 cemeteries nationwide.
It has also deployed personnel on major highways in Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Northern Luzon Expressway, Sta. Rosa City in Laguna, Davao del Sur, Surigao del Sur and in Valenzuela McArthur Highway, as well as in bus stations, seaports and airports.
The mobilization began on Friday and will continue until November 2 to provide medical care to motorists and commuters visiting cities and provinces.
The PRC reminded the public to strictly follow health protocols and minimum health standards, such as wearing masks, physical distancing and hand washing.
It said most cemeteries will only allow entry for fully vaccinated individuals over 12 years old.
It urged the public to contact the Philippine Red Cross operations center at 143 or 02-8790-2300 for any emergency.
