CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union — Chief Superintendent Ramon V. Gatan, Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-3) director, placed on full alert the police force in the region and ordered the augmentation of route security, traffic management, and preventive patrol operations as part of the preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, locally referred to as “undas.”

“Undas” is a yearly activity during which we expect heavy traffic jams along major thoroughfares and congestion in commercial centers, public markets, cemeteries, and other places of convergence. At this time, we need to double our efforts to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of undas,” Gatan stressed.

Gatan added that the Region 1 police, as in previous years, will be tapping the support of other government agencies, non-government organizations, and volunteer groups in providing maximum security coverage and public safety services to include motorist assistance along major highways and traffic management along routes leading to cemeteries.

Moreover, Gatan designated senior police commissioned officers as supervisors who shall closely monitor and oversee the overall conduct of the operations.

The designated supervisors are Supt. Reynante G. Partible, Ilocos Norte; Senior Supt. Teodorico M. Danao, Ilocos Sur; Senior Supt. Ramon O. Purugganan, La Union; Senior Supt. Amando S. Lagiwid, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Districts of Pangasinan; and Senior Supt. Eduardo A. Dopale, 4th ,5th and 6th Districts of Pangasinan.

Meanwhile, the Pangasinan police announced the implementation of a traffic rerouting scheme as part of its preparations for undas. Maximum police visibility will be provided along the three possible routes from Manila going to La Union-Baguio and vice-versa. The first option is Rosales-Villasis-Sta. Barbara-Mangaldan-San Fabian; the second, Rosales-Villasis-Urdaneta City-Manaoag-San Jacinto-Mangaldan-San Fabian; and the third is Binalonan-Laoac-Manaoag-San Jacinto-Mangaldan-San Fabian.

Supt. Harris Fama, Lingayen chief of police, also mapped out plans to ensure smooth flow of traffic being the center and capital town of Pangasinan. Fama has been coordinating with Mayor Jonas Castaneda for the traffic rerouting scheme to prevent traffic snarl in the capital town.