The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the security situation across the country remains peaceful and orderly for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, even as authorities maintain a high state of alert.
Over 141,000 police officers have been deployed nationwide to secure cemeteries, memorial parks, and public convergence zones, including bus terminals, airports, and seaports.
According to PNP chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., monitoring indicates a generally peaceful atmosphere as millions of Filipinos visit cemeteries, churches, and transport hubs.
“So far, our security operations have helped maintain a generally peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day across the country. We remain vigilant, however, because our responsibility does not end with a favorable assessment. Every Filipino must be able to honor their departed loved ones without fear or disruption,” Nartatez said.
With the holidays extending through All Souls’ Day on November 2, Nartatez instructed regional police offices and Metro Manila forces to maintain continuous visibility in critical areas.
“My instruction is to sustain heightened police visibility, intensify patrols, and ensure immediate response to any security concern in their respective areas. We must not allow complacency to undermine our preparations,” Nartatez stated.
“Our goal is to maintain public safety and ensure that the entire Undas observance remains peaceful until the last visitor safely returns home,” he added.
Nartatez personally inspected transportation hubs and major cemeteries in Metro Manila to check police assistance desks and evaluate response readiness. He expressed satisfaction with the current deployment strategies while reminding deployed personnel to balance firmness against criminality with professionalism and courtesy toward the public.
Acknowledging officers who spent the holiday away from their families, Nartatez praised their dedication:
“To every police officer on duty this Undas, your sacrifice is a reflection of the nobility of public service. While many families gather to remember their loved ones, you are standing guard so that millions of others can do so safely and peacefully,” Nartatez said.
“Let that responsibility be your source of pride,” he added.