Undas safety arrangements 'so far so good' – Palace

"So far, so good." This was how Malacañang assessed Saturday the government’s arrangements to ensure the safety and security of Filipinos for Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days). Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the police will continue their patrols while transportation officials make the rounds of transport facilities to ensure peace and security. “Mukhang okay naman. Nakaikot ang DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communications) sa seaports, bus terminals at airports, tiningnan kung orderly ang pila at secured ang mga kababayan natin. Maraming opisyal ng pamahalaan nag-o-observe sa pupunta ng probinsya at uuwi. Heightened ang police visibility," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. She also noted the Department of Health is on Code White alert, which ensures the availability of emergency medicines and medical personnel in hospitals and health facilities. Doctors, nurses, and other health care providers will be ready to provide immediate health care service to casualties who will be injured during the course of a typhoon. When asked if President Benigno Aquino III is satisfied with the arrangements so far, Valte said, “so far so good." But she also said Aquino and the concerned government officials will be keeping watch over developments in this year's observance of Undas. She said Aquino expects to get regular updates from the DOTC, Philippine National Police, and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on the situation of those leaving and arriving for Undas. “We will be closely watching the situation in the next few days," she added. On the other hand, she said Aquino will again take advantage of the holidays to bring home his briefing papers. Possible rebel attacks Valte also said the police and military are “mindful" of possible attacks by rebel groups during the long weekend. “The PNP is also mindful of the situation, tingnan natin. Ang (focus) natin is to ensure safety of citizens going to their provinces," she said. — LBG, GMA News