Oct 31, Nov 3 not holidays, says Palace

MALACAÑANG yesterday said October 31 and November 3 have not been declared as non-working days or special holidays.

“Fake news,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a message sent to the media yesterday in the wake of social media reports that November 3 is a non-working day.

November 3, a Friday, is sandwiched between the All-Souls’ Day holiday on November 2 and November 4, which is a Saturday.

Bersamin, in a message sent by the Office of the Executive Secretary last Wednesday, also branded as “fake news” some social media reports that October 31, (Tuesday) has been declared a non-working day, or that work in government offices and classes in public schools has been suspended in the afternoon.

October 31 is sandwiched between October 30 (Monday), which has been declared as a holiday to give way to the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, and November 1 (Wednesday), or All-Saints’ Day.

Some 27,000 policemen would be deployed throughout the country to secure the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the PNP said yesterday.

In a television interview, PNP spokeswoman and Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP will be on full alert during the holidays.

The PNP will be on full alert starting today, principally for Monday’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

“That will be extended until after Undas,” said Fajardo, referring to the PNP’s full alert status.

Fajardo earlier said the PNP is ready to secure the elections and Undas, adding the public can expect the increased presence of policemen in public convergence areas.

She said these deployments are meant to “ensure the safety of our countrymen.”

The Philippine Coast Guard has placed its districts, stations and sub-stations on heightened alert since last Wednesday in anticipation of the influx of port passengers in time for the BSKE and Undas.

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo urged the public who will be going on vacation to observe regulations to avoid accidents.

“Follow the regulations set by the ports and vessels,” said Balilo.

To beachgoers, Balilo said they should listen to authorities