The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Monday that it has established 5,293 Police Assistance Desks (PADs) and will deploy 25,349 police personnel across the country’s public cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria in preparation for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
During a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said that the police deployment will be reinforced by 8,265 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), as well as 22,399 force multipliers from various volunteer and community groups.
This brings the total number of deployed security and public safety personnel to 56,013.
“Usually nagiging full alert kaugnay ng Undas at holiday season, one day before D-Day,” Tuaño said, referring to the PNP’s highest state of readiness.
A full alert status means all police officers and units are on standby for immediate deployment, with no leave privileges granted during the period.
Tuaño explained that the deployment aims to strengthen preventive patrols, anti-criminality and anti-drug operations, and crowd management in anticipation of the large number of people visiting cemeteries and transport hubs during the holiday.
He said the police assistance centers will be strategically located inside and outside cemeteries and memorial parks to help guide visitors, provide security, and maintain peace and order. The public was also reminded to continue observing minimum public health standards throughout the observance.
The PNP also assured heightened vigilance in transport terminals, airports, and seaports, where heavy passenger movement is expected as Filipinos travel to and from the provinces.
To ensure safety and orderliness, the PNP released a list of prohibited items inside cemeteries during Undas. These include firearms, sharp objects such as knives, cutters, and spatulas; intoxicating beverages; loud sound systems and musical instruments like guitars; and flammable materials such as alcohol and paint thinner.
The police also reminded the public that pets—including dogs and cats—are not allowed inside cemeteries during the observance.
The PNP reiterated its call for cooperation from the public and local authorities to make this year’s Undas a peaceful, safe, and solemn commemoration.