No crime was recorded at cemeteries during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days in Valenzuela City, the local police have reported.

From October 31 to November 2, the police, which imposed a strict enforcement of ban against deadly weapons and liquor in cemeteries,  did not confiscate at the 11 cemeteries a single bladed or pointed weapon, flammable material, gardening tool, nor liquor.

A total of 307 cops were deployed during those three days. They were reinforced by 703 force multipliers, or members of volunteer community peacekeeping groups.

The police estimated 8,630 people visited the cemeteries, fewer than the 11, 900 last year.

Meanwhile, outside the cemeteries, 21 persons were arrested for crimes ranging from damage to property to physical injury.

On October 31, one was nabbed for robbery, one for theft, three for traffic-related damage to property, and three for traffic-related physical injury.

The following day, another two were arrested for robbery and theft, one for traffic-related damage to property, and two for traffic-related physical injury.

Three were arrested on November 2 for theft, one for carnapping, two for traffic-related damage to property, and two for physical injury. 

UNTIL INFINITY A man stands before rows of tombs in Arkong Bato Public Cemetery, as if communing with the memory of a dearly departed whose remains lay in one of these niches, November 1, 2015. Photo by Rodrigo de Guzman