AROUND 700 policemen will be deployed to private and public cemeteries during the All Saints' and All Souls' Day to maintain peace, a police official said.

Acting City Police Director Noel P. Armilla said preparations for "Oplan Kaluluwa" are already in place, which will be implemented starting Saturday until November 2.

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"To ensure that all warm bodies in the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) are deployed on the streets, churches, cemeteries and other public places, no one in our uniformed personnel will be allowed to take a leave," Armilla told the Sun.Star Thursday.

"Oplan Kaluluwa" calls for full police visibility and 24-hour checkpoint in strategic locations in the city, said the police official.

Mobile teams, Armilla added, will also secure bus terminals, airports, seaports and major thoroughfares.

For those going to cemeteries, the police official offer some advices:

"First, make sure that someone is at home while the family members are in the cemeteries. Second, vehicles should have safety devices installed in them as deterrence against carnappers."

Armilla noted that thieves commonly strike during holidays when all household members are out-leaving their properties exposed "Akyat Bahay" gangs.

Meanwhile, Councilor Ian Nacaya reminded the public to comply with the law banning the sale of intoxicating substance and liquor drinking inside cemeteries.

Ordinance 6677-98 also prohibits any form of gambling and playing of radio, radio cassette and other electronic device considered disturbing, or performing religious rituals or services inside public cemeteries. (DVAIII)