QUEZON CITY (PIA) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is all set for the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or Undas, with strengthened police presence nationwide as millions of Filipinos prepare for the annual tradition.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the presence of police during Undas should be felt not only through visibility but through their readiness to assist people.
"Ngayong Undas, ang importante ay alam ng bawat isa na may pulis na malalapitan kung kailangan nila ng tulong. We are not just putting personnel on the ground; we are making sure they are where they are needed most—ready to assist, respond, and keep things orderly. Gusto natin maramdaman ng publiko na nandiyan ang PNP para tumulong,” said Nartatez.
According to PNP, around 72,500 police personnel are being deployed across the country to help keep major public areas safe and orderly, assist travelers and visitors, manage traffic, and provide immediate assistance during the period when movement and public activity are expected to significantly increase.
The strategic deployment of police officers ensures their presence in locations where public assistance is anticipated most, such as cemeteries and columbaria, transportation hubs, major roads, places of worship, tourist destinations, checkpoints, and mobile patrol areas.
The PNP also said it has established 4,980 police assistance desks in cemeteries and columbaria to give the public an accessible point for assistance and reporting concerns.
The nationwide effort is supported by 16,892 personnel from other government units, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and other concerned agencies. Another 51,467 community force multipliers, including barangay tanods, radio groups, and other organizations, are also helping strengthen public safety.
This brings the combined deployment of police, partner government personnel, and community force multipliers to about 141,000 nationwide, the PNP added.
The nationwide deployment covers 5,311 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria, along with other high-traffic locations nationwide. Police personnel are tasked to assist with crowd movement, traffic concerns, lost persons, emergencies, and other situations that may arise during the observance.
The PNP said the operation reflects the PNP’s Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO), through deliberate deployment of personnel, closer coordination with partner agencies, and police visibility in areas where public safety needs are expected to be greater.
Meanwhile, authorities remind the public to follow cemetery rules, avoid bringing firearms, weapons, illegal drugs, prohibited alcohol, flammable materials, and other restricted items, and remain respectful of fellow visitors.
Likewise, travellers are advised to secure their homes, check their vehicles before long trips, avoid driving under the influence or experiencing fatigue, use legitimate transport services, and keep personal belongings secured.
The PNP also reminds the public to immediately report to the nearest police personnel or assistance desk for any emergency or suspicious activity.
Nartatez also called on the public to work with police and other responders in keeping the observance safe and peaceful.
“We have put the personnel and resources in place, but we also need the public to do their part. A safe Undas is a shared responsibility. If we stay alert, follow the rules, and speak up when something needs attention, mas mabilis tayong makakakilos and we can help ensure that families can remember their loved ones with peace of mind,” he said. (JEG/PIA-NCR)
(Photo courtesy of PNP)
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