MANILA, Philippines — Over 27,000 police officers will be deployed to secure the observance of Undas, or All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days this weekend, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Remulla said police officers would be deployed nationwide to heighten police visibility and provide assistance and security for the public who will be visiting their departed loved ones.
He tasked local government units to convene their peace and order councils to ensure the safety and security of those who will flock to cemeteries, memorial parks and churches in their localities.
“They are also expected to mobilize and deploy traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams, medical personnel and other force multipliers within the vicinity of the said places,” Remulla said.
He added that both the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) would provide necessary assistance to local police.
The head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government urged the public to practice vigilance against criminals and scammers who may take advantage of the holidays.
“In this important time of commemorating our departed loved ones, let us be careful and vigilant,” Remulla said.
As this developed, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) expressed readiness to assist motorists who will travel to provinces for Undas.
The LTO-National Capital Region (NCR) said it would deploy 458 enforcers as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2024 to manage the anticipated surge in travelers and vehicles this weekend.
LTO-NCR director Roque Verzosa III said they hope to mitigate the risk of road crashes and the expected heavy traffic.
Heightened alert
Police units across the country went on heightened alert ahead of the observance of Undas, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced yesterday.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered the raising of the alert status, which means that 75 percent of the 232,000-strong police force is readily available for deployment.
Marbil directed police commanders to intensify security measures and provide essential assistance to the public and motorists during the Undas weekend.
“We want the public to feel the presence of the police, to feel secure as they go about their lives,” he said in a statement.
From 18,000, the PNP also increased its security contingent for Undas to more than 21,000 police officers.
Marbil said their efforts are meant to deter crimes such as akyat-bahay, noting that many homes are left unattended during the holiday.
“We are deploying more personnel to communities, cemeteries, transport terminals and other areas where people traditionally gather to commemorate their loved ones,” he said.
He added that they have applied past successes in Undas security operations by implementing strict patrols, security checkpoints and close collaboration with barangay officials and volunteer groups in minimizing theft and other crimes.
The PNP chief ordered police officers to intensify anti-crime operations in strategic locations while supporting traffic and crowd management around cemeteries and major roadways.
“Let this be a reminder to those with ill intentions that the PNP is ready and on alert,” he warned.
In Malabon, the local government has put in place measures to ensure peaceful and orderly observance of Undas in the city.
City administrator Alexander Rosete gave the assurance as he projected that at least 30,000 people are expected to visit their deceased loved ones in nine cemeteries in Malabon, including the recently reopened Tugatog Public Cemetery.
“We are ready to help those who will go to the graves of their relatives. For now, all we ask is for everyone’s cooperation and compliance,” Rosete said in a statement.
He reminded people to bring food, water, umbrellas and other protective equipment to keep themselves hydrated and dry from possible thunderstorms.
CAAP inspection
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista visited yesterday the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)’s Communication, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) to ensure the efficiency and readiness of the system in time for the observance of Undas, when thousands of travelers jam the airports and seaports.
During the inspection, Bautista confirmed that all CNS/ATM systems are fully operational to prevent any untoward incident and ordered standby personnel and a contingency plan to minimize potential flight disruptions during this peak travel period.
“As travelers return home to honor their departed loved ones, we are committed to ensuring that their travel is seamless and safe. With the upgrade to ATMS software version 22.2, the CAAP has ensured that safety and security features have been added, guaranteeing reliable operations during this holiday season,” he said.
Bautista also convened with CAAP director general Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Transportation Undersecretary for aviation Robert Lim and 12 CAAP area managers to discuss the effective implementation of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2024 in 44 CAAP-operated airports.
Area managers reported that airport facilities, including chillers and escalators, are fully operational and necessary supplies such as medical kits are well-stocked.
Malasakit help desks are on standby and Malasakit kits began to be distributed yesterday.
To ensure strict security, simulation exercises have been conducted in advance.
“I am pleased that we are all fully prepared for All Saints’ (and All Souls’) Days operations. Let us ensure continuous vigilance at our airports, verify that all equipment are operational and that personnel are fully ready to serve. Coordinate closely with other government agencies and airlines to ensure seamless operations,” Bautista said.
Bautista also visited the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals late yesterday afternoon to see for himself the actual preparations of NAIA terminal managers.
6,557 cops
In Calabarzon, the PNP regional office is all set for Undas 2024.
Around 6,557 police personnel will be deployed starting today until Nov. 3.
There are also 650 personnel from military, BFP, BJMP, Highway Patrol Group (HPG)-Calabarzon, together with the support of 5,675 force multipliers to be deployed in Police Assistance Desks, cemeteries, commercial areas, parks and community centers as well as major tourist destinations, bus terminals and seaports.
Calabarzon police director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas has instructed all personnel – the five provincial directors and all chiefs of police – to enhance security operations and implement a comprehensive public safety plan for a secure, safe and orderly observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
With the expected influx of motorists ahead of Undas, Lucas has ordered station commanders to deploy cops at transport terminals and roads to secure travelers.
Police urged the public not to post their trips on social media to avoid alerting criminals that they have left their houses unattended.
HPG-Calabarzon, headed by Col. Rommel Estolano, has instructed his field provincial chiefs, along with force multipliers and volunteers, to ensure that traffic along major roads will be smooth and safe.
Red alert
In La Union, red alert was raised yesterday as the province braced for the possible onslaught of Super Typhoon Leon while gearing up for Undas.
Gov. Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David ordered the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) to ready all necessary logistical assets and resources needed for mobilization.
As Signal No. 1 has been hoisted in La Union since Tuesday, disaster officials started conducting incident monitoring in the 20 towns and San Fernando City for situational awareness.
Four teams composed of seven personnel each are on standby to respond to any emergencies, according to the PDRRMO.
It will also deploy four teams to monitor situations in cemeteries in observance of the holidays tomorrow and this weekend.
“We had already prepared our rescue equipment ahead of time to respond immediately to those in need of our assistance. The safety of our province-mates remains to be our utmost priority,” Ortega-David said.
She added that they are also anticipating an influx of visitors at cemeteries in the province, “that is why we also deployed our PDRRMO personnel to work together with our law enforcement agencies, volunteers and groups in the maintenance of peace, safety and security.”
The governor also advised her province-mates who will be heading to cemeteries to abide by safety and traffic standards to ensure public order in high-influx places.
La Union PDRRMO officer-in-charge Alvin Cruz said all teams and assets are set for deployment.
“The PDRRMO is now on heightened alert for Leon to monitor the situation and respond swiftly to any untoward incident. In case you need any emergency assistance, don’t hesitate to call 911 for immediate response,” Cruz added.
BARMM preparations
Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications has launched its Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2024 public service facets that shall operate during this All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, partly meant to promote solidarity among Muslims and Christians in the region.
Bangsamoro Transportation and Communications Minister Paisalin Pangandaman Tago told reporters yesterday that officials and employees of the Bangsamoro Land Transportation Office shall oversee the Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2024.
“We shall cover public terminals and stretches of highways close to cemeteries,” Tago said.
He added that besides their public safety agenda, their Nov. 1 to 2 community service thrusts are also intended to promote interfaith cohesion among Muslim, Christian and indigenous non-Moro communities in the BARMM.
“This two-day public service operation is important because this is the time we Muslims can show to the Christian communities in the autonomous region that we are together as a community, not separated by religions,” Tago said.
‘Emulate saints’
As Filipino Catholics observe All Saints’ Day tomorrow, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos yesterday reminded them to emulate the traits of saints – living a holy life, love unconditionally and be a light to others.
In an interview over Radio Veritas, Santos said the Catholic faithful should continue to celebrate All Saints’ Day by remembering the legacy of those who have been canonized as saints and those who lived saint-like lives and follow their examples.
“All Saints’ Day is a beautiful and holy celebration in the Catholic Church, where we honor all the saints, both the canonized and the countless others who lived holy lives. We commemorate their faith, virtues and the profound impact they’ve had on our spiritual journeys,” he said.
“This day calls on us to remember these exemplary lives, reflect on their teachings and relive their legacy through our own acts of faith. It’s a time of joy and deep spiritual reflection, celebrating the communion of saints in heaven. Let us recall their sacrifices and draw inspiration from their journey to guide our own,” he added. - Rudy Santos, Ed Amoroso, Artemio Dumlao, John Unson, Evelyn Macairan