THE National Police downgraded on Wednesday its red-alert status in Luzon and the Visayas after concluding public safety operations in relation to the All Saints’ Day commemoration that was observed on Tuesday.

The National Police said Tuesday’s occasion was generally peaceful except for some minor violations and incidents that were recorded in some major cemeteries in Metro Manila.

Police units in Luzon and the Visayas were ordered to go on red alert on Wednesday as a force braced for the influx of millions of people in cemeteries.

When red alert is declared, all leaves and furloughs are canceled and all personnel are required to man their posts.

However, all regional offices in Mindanao and the Special Action Force remain on red alert.

Director General Nicanor Bartolome, National Police chief, ordered the implementation of strict security measures in all police camps and offices as well as vital installations, economic key points and places of convergence.

Police commanders were also given the discretionary authority to upgrade their alert level based on the prevailing peace-and-order situation in their respective areas of responsibility.

Some 45,000 police personnel were deployed for public safety operations during the just-concluded four-day Halloween holiday.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., National Police spokesman, said the policemen will be given the chance to observe All Saints’ Day and pay respects to their departed loved ones before they will be deployed again to perform similar public safety operations for the Christmas season. (Rene Acosta)