Undas peaceful as 3.8 million visit cemeteries nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — The observance of Undas or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day was peaceful and orderly yesterday, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP), as millions of Filipinos flocked to cemeteries, memorial parks and other public areas to honor their dead.

As of last night, some 3.8 million have flocked to cemeteries, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.

“The security measures for Undas 2025 do not end with planning and deployment. We have to make sure the security plan is properly implemented and necessary adjustments are made depending on the situation on the ground,” acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

In a message to The STAR, NCRPO spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo said the situation across Metro Manila has been “generally peaceful” with no untoward incident recorded.

Breaking down the numbers as of 6 p.m. from some major cemeteries, 1,038,993 trooped to Manila North Cemetery, 120,440 to Manila South Cemetery, 15,300 to La Loma Cemetery, 5,400 to Chinese Cemetery and 192 to Paco Park.

Based on the Roman Catholic calendar, Nov. 1 is All Saints’ Day and Nov. 2 is All Souls’ Day. But this doesn’t matter much to many Filipinos who would begin trooping to cemeteries on Nov. 1. More Filipinos are expected to visit cemeteries today.

More than 20,000 police personnel have been deployed in 4,901 cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria since Oct. 30, assisted by barangay watchmen, soldiers, Philippine Coast Guard personnel and volunteers.

Around 4,300 policemen have been assigned to 1,478 Motorists Assistance Centers nationwide, along with 7,000 personnel from other government agencies, to ensure smooth travel and public safety.

Police presence was also increased at transportation hubs, with 144 personnel stationed at airports, 636 at seaports and 1,455 at bus terminals.

The PNP said more than 2.21 million Filipinos trooped to cemeteries and 197,070 visited columbaria across the country.

Under “Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025,” the PNP deployed a total of 93,839 personnel, including 31,056 police officers, 20,134 personnel from other government agencies and 42,649 force multipliers.

The PNP said that the Unified 911 continues to play a crucial role in real-time coordination, enabling prompt police and emergency response to medical concerns, traffic issues and reports of missing persons or lost belongings.

The PNP also reported the confiscation of 2,722 prohibited items at cemetery gates, including bladed weapons, alcoholic beverages, gambling paraphernalia, vape devices and loud sound equipment.

Some supporters visited the tomb of the Aquino family – former presidents Cory and Noynoy and former senator Ninoy – with President Marcos and the Manila local government sending flowers to pay respects.

Strings of paper butterflies have been placed on the resting place of actor Rico Yan, who died in his sleep in 2002 and has been one of the most visited tombs in the privately owned park.

At the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig, members of the Philippine Army lit candles to honor their fallen comrades Friday night. Philippine flags were also placed beside the tombs of the unknown heroes.

Supporters of the late “Superstar” Nora Aunor gathered at her resting place for a mass together with her son Ian De Leon. Some brought memorabilia illustrating Aunor’s colorful showbiz career.

Aunor, who died in April, was buried at the Heroes’ Cemetery as a privilege accorded to her for being a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.

Loyalists of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. also took the time to commemorate the controversial chief executive.

Marcos sent flowers to the tomb of his predecessors, Carlos P. Garcia and Fidel V. Ramos.

Former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joined a mass in the afternoon to honor her father Diosdado Macapagal. — Ghio Ong, Rhodina Villanueva