AUTHORITIES said the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day is generally more peaceful this year.
Northern Mindanao Police regional director Chief Superintendent Noel Constantino said no serious incidents were recorded after he made rounds of field inspection around the region.
"It could be considered generally peaceful. It could not have been as successful as it is without the support of other groups," Constantino said.
Constantino said the 287 police assistance hubs set up in key areas and the 801 Road Safety marshals deployed across Northern Mindanao have helped in achieving a peaceful and orderly system for the remembrance of the dead in various government-run and private cemeteries.
The regional PNP chief also lauded the role of the different local government units, volunteer organizations, and other stakeholders who assisted the public.
"We are deeply pleased that our concerted effort to secure the entire area of responsibility paid off. No serious untoward incident happened. Nonetheless, aside from the very unfortunate vehicular accident involving a family who fell into a ravine at barangay Tablon, this city while enroute to Libona, Bukidnon, no other holiday-related incident happened within our AOR," Constantino said.
Meanwhile, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (CDRMM) Officer Allan Porcadilla said among the incidents that their office has responded included those people whose blood pressure went up, those under the influence of alcohol, and other minor squabbles.
"Walay reported nga grabe nga insidente. Atong giatiman kadtong nisaka ang blood pressure and apil sa atong girespondehan katong nahulog nga jeep sa pangpang sa Tablon ug mga away-away sa sementeryo,"Porcadilla said.
Response units under the CDRRMO demobilized 8 p.m. on November 2. Communication lines, however, remain open in case of emergencies.
"Wala nami sa mga sementeryo pero open ta matawagan to respond sa mga emergencies and ang mga police magpabilin pa pud sa mga sementeryon," Porcadilla added.
Porcadilla said the remembrance of the dead this year is more peaceful compared last year considering that the long weekend has given the public the option when to pay respect and remember their departed loved ones.
However, Porcadilla noted some pitfalls the City Government should act upon for next year which involves vendors in the cemeteries.
Porcadilla said vendors who positioned their stall anywhere have caused heavier traffic.
"Mas hapsay karon kay nakapangandam gyud ta and ang long weekend nakahatag og option sa katawhan nga pwede sila makasayo para dili magpunsisok sa duha ka adlaw,"Porcadilla said.
"Next year, atong giaghat ang siyudad nga maoy mag manage sa mga vendors dili lang ang barangay kay bisag asa na lang sila makadugang sa kapiot sa dalan ug kagubot kung dili maayo pagka-plastar," Porcadilla added.
