Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon yesterday appealed for peace on All Saints and All Souls Day on Nov. 1 and 2 to allow families to honor their dead free from harm, while Mayor Evelio Leonardia has ordered security measures to be put in place in Bacolod City, especially in the cemeteries.

"I appeal to those who have intentions to cause disturbances during the holidays and cause trouble at cemeteries to allow Filipinos to peacefully observe their traditions," Marañon said.

Leonardia said the city government will make sure the Burgos cemetery is well-lighted to ensure the security and safety of those visiting the gravesites of their dead.

On Oct. 28 the mayor ordered a clean-up of the city's public cemeteries, a City Hall press release said. "It is the time when we come together to honor and revere our departed ones. Let us at least, make their resting place more decent and respectable," Leonardia said.

He said the Bacolod police will be on full alert today to secure Bacolod cemeteries.

Upon the request of Leonardia, members of Bacolod City Disaster Coordinating Council and Bantay-Bayan, a non-government organization, will assign nine personnel to every cemetery in Bacolod.

CDCC-Bantay Bayan will also put two traffic stations, one in the North at Bangga Pepsi in Brgy. Bata, and another one in the South at Brgy. Sum-ag, to help control the traffic.

CDCC Executive Officer Cesar Villa said that they will be augmented by members of the Bacolod Federation of Rescue Organizations. Bantay-bayan is headed by Regional Director Rodolfo Toledo, Bantay-Bayan Foundation.

A minor rerouting of traffic will also be observed. Bacolod police director Supt. Pedro Merced said the stretch of Burgos and Lopez-Jaena streets will be closed. Public and private vehicles going east will pass Galo Extension, going through Bacolod-Murcia Road, turn left to Bacolod-Murcia gate, and right to Burgos Street, the press release said.

Meanwhile, those going west will pass the Welcome Rotunda of Brgy. Villamonte to Malaspina Street passing behind West Negros College, turning left, pass Hilado Street, then right to Burgos Street, the press release added.*CPG

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