The Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed over 141,000 personnel and force multipliers across the country to secure public spaces and manage heavy passenger traffic during the Undas holiday rush.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. reported that the nationwide deployment comprises 73,034 police officers, 16,560 members of other government agencies, and 51,578 force multipliers. These units have been assigned to strategic locations, including cemeteries, transport terminals, major thoroughfares, churches, and tourist hotspots.
Authorities have been directed to establish police assistance desks and enforce strict inspections at memorial parks, drawing on lessons from past observances where millions of Filipinos visited gravesites for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Last year, authorities recorded over 14 million cemetery-goers nationwide.
“We will ensure that our personnel remain visible, approachable, and ready to respond to every request for assistance, especially from children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable individuals. Our presence must provide genuine reassurance to the public, and every police officer must serve with professionalism, compassion, and a strong sense of responsibility,” Nartatez said.
To maintain order, Nartatez instructed officers to collaborate with local government units for prompt responses to medical emergencies and missing child reports. Security protocols also prohibit prohibited items inside cemeteries, ban drinking sessions and karaoke use, and monitor potential altercations.
Furthermore, police commanders were ordered to intensify neighborhood patrols to protect homes left vacant by families traveling to the provinces.
“Before leaving home, make sure all doors and windows are secured, electrical appliances are safely switched off, and valuables are kept out of sight. I have directed our police units to intensify neighborhood patrols and coordinate with barangay officials to deter burglars and protect homes left unattended during Undas,” Nartatez added, while also advising the public to remain vigilant against pickpockets and thieves in crowded places.
In the capital, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) mobilized 25,000 personnel to oversee Undas security alongside preparations for the upcoming 49th ASEAN Summit 2026 scheduled for mid-November.
NCRPO chief Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano noted that crowds had already begun flocking to major sites like the Manila North Cemetery ahead of the official holiday. Last year’s Metro Manila cemetery turnout reached approximately 1.8 million visitors.
All PNP offices and units remain on full alert status from 12:01 a.m. on October 30 until 12:01 a.m. on November 3 to support ongoing public safety, traffic management, and security operations.