DAET, Camarines Norte (PIA) — Authorities in Camarines Norte have announced plans to ensure a safe and orderly Halloween break from November 1 to 2.
During the Kapihan sa PIA last Friday, October 25, Major Eva Guiruela of the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) revealed that 489 police officers will be deployed to all public and private cemeteries.
This deployment aims to maintain solemnity during the annual commemoration of All Souls’ Day and All Saints’ Day, which are among the most significant holidays in Asia’s only Catholic nation.
Guiruela, the deputy chief of the CNPPO’s operations management unit, explained that these officers will be stationed at Police Motorist Assistance Centers and Lakbay Alalay booths along main roads, in business districts, public gathering areas, terminals, and tourist spots.
The Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the CNPPO will distribute bracelets to children visiting cemeteries.
These bracelets will include their parents’ cellphone numbers to facilitate identification in case a child gets lost, said Police Major Leny Encinas, acting chief of the CNPPO Community Affairs and Development Unit.
Guiruela said the CNPPO has coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (MDRRMOs) to request additional support, including volunteers.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will set up two motorist assistance centers: one in Barangay Bautista, Labo, serving the first district, and another in front of the DPWH Sub-District Engineering Office (Sub-DEO) on F. Pimentel Avenue in Daet.
Ronel Armenta, officer-in-charge of the DPWH Camarines Norte District Engineering Office maintenance section, said that all national roads are currently passable following Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
A monitoring team will be assigned to assess road conditions during the holiday period, he added.
The Motorist Assistance Centers will open on October 31 at 8 a.m. and will operate until November 2, closing at 5 p.m.
Beverly Ramos, the chief of the DPWH Sub-DEO maintenance section, said that motorist assistance centers are equipped with mechanics to help the public.
Provincial Health Officer Arnel Francisco urged the public to bring their own food to prevent illnesses like diarrhea.
He also encouraged everyone to apply insect repellent to protect against mosquito bites and reduce the risk of dengue fever.
Francisco warned the public about the dangers of leptospirosis, especially in areas that have experienced flooding. Recently, prophylactic doxycycline has been distributed to Rural Health Units (RHUs) as a preventive measure against this disease.
He mentioned that, before the holidays, three public hospitals—Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital, Labo District Hospital, and Capalonga District Hospital—will be placed on code white. Under code white, personnel will be assigned to provide first aid in cemeteries during this time.
Deputy Provincial Fire Marshal Adonis Osea announced that the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) will conduct inspections at terminals and establishments to prevent fire incidents.
Starting October 27, the BFP will have a Bandillo to announce fire safety precautions, especially since many residents will visit cemeteries to honor their departed family members, he said.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Camarines Norte issued an advisory on the price freeze for essential goods in all municipalities effective October 25, 2024.
This declaration follows Section 6 of Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, which mandates that the prices of necessities in areas declared as disaster zones or under a state of calamity are automatically frozen.
The advisory was issued following the Sanguniang Panlalawigan Resolution 607-2024, which declared the province under a state of calamity due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Senior Trade and Industry Specialist Gary Rafanan noted that the price freeze will last for 60 days unless lifted.
This includes monitoring of candles and flowers, which are considered basic necessities needed for All Saints’ Day and Souls’ Day observances, he said.
Price lists will be issued, as the costs of basic necessities can vary by municipality, he added. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)
