President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that government agencies are fully prepared to guarantee a safe and orderly observance of All Saints’ and Souls’ Days.
In a statement released on Friday, October 30, the President assured the public that comprehensive security and logistical measures are active to facilitate safe travel, with continuous monitoring of transport networks, roadways, airports, seaports, hospitals, and cemeteries.
”Ngayong darating na Undas, marami sa ating mga kababayan ang uuwi sa kani-kanilang probinsya o dadalaw sa mga sementeryo upang alalahanin at ipagdasal ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Marcos said.
”Kaya nais nating tiyakin na magiging ligtas, maayos, at maginhawa ang kanilang pagbiyahe at pagdalaw. Pinaghahandaan na ng pamahalaan ang iba’t ibang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan para sa Undas,” he added.
To safeguard passengers, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and partner agencies are performing exhaustive inspections across transportation hubs.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has distributed over 1,000 special permits for additional bus trips, while the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) is implementing relaxation orders and special permits from October 29 to November 3 to expand passenger vessel flexibility.
Additional trips will also be scheduled on select routes as needed.
In Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is deploying more than 2,000 personnel to oversee traffic flow, particularly around major cemeteries. Police forces are stationed at every cemetery and columbarium to uphold law and order, while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and emergency medical teams remain on heightened alert.
”Ang kaayusan sa mga pampublikong lugar na dadayuhin ng ating mga kababayan. Nagsasagawa ng inspeksyon ang iba’t ibang ahensya upang tiyakin na handa at ligtas ang mga sementeryo, simbahan at iba pang mataong lugar,” the President stated.
Addressing international travel, Marcos confirmed that all airport immigration counters will be fully staffed from October 30 to November 3 to prevent congestion.
“Para sa mga kababayan nating lilipad papasok o palabas ng bansa, sinisigurado nating sapat ang tao at walang bakanteng immigration counters mula October 30 hanggang November 3,” he said.
Furthermore, electronic gates (eGates) will see increased utilization to accelerate passenger processing, and 24-hour help desks have been established at major transport hubs through November 3.
To mitigate highway congestion during the holiday rush, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been directed to wrap up urgent road inspections and repairs.
“Patuloy ang inspeksyon at pag-aayos ng mga pangunahing kalsada upang maiwasan ang abala sa biyahe. Ang mga agarang repair ay tatapusin… upang mabawasan ang abala sa trapiko sa pagdagsa ng biyahe,” Marcos noted.
Concluding his statement, the President reminded citizens to practice caution, adhere to cemetery safety guidelines, and cooperate with authorities.
He also pointed out that emergency hotline 911 remains active alongside official government social media channels for real-time advisories.