Manila Police District deploys 1,500 cops for Undas 2026

MANILA — The Manila Police District (MPD) on Wednesday said around 1,500 personnel will be deployed to enforce security measures across public cemeteries and major gathering sites in Manila City for the upcoming observance of Undas 2026.

MPD spokesperson Maj. Philipp Ines said a skeletal force will be set up from October 28 to October 30 before shifting to full deployment from October 31 to November 2.

The security footprint will cover public places of convergence, police checkpoints, and Manila’s four main burial sites: Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery, and the Manila Chinese Cemetery.

Authorities anticipate heavy foot traffic as the observance coincides with a weekend.

Last year, visitor turnout across Manila’s burial grounds topped two million people, with Manila North Cemetery recording 1.7 million visitors and Manila South Cemetery receiving 600,000.

To maintain order, police reminded the public that strict prohibitions remain in effect inside cemetery grounds.

Prohibited items include firearms, bladed weapons, alcoholic beverages, sound systems, flammable materials, and pets. Commercial vending inside the facilities is also strictly banned.

Non-hazardous items confiscated at security gates may be retrieved upon exit. However, illegal contraband such as firearms and sharp weapons will be confiscated and may lead to formal criminal charges.

He added that ground operations will feature a combination of uniformed personnel, plainclothes covert officers blended into crowds, regular foot patrols, and aerial monitoring using drones. Security will be further supported by CCTV cameras installed inside Manila North Cemetery.

While no serious security threats have been detected, Ines confirmed that any emerging issues will undergo immediate evaluation and assessment.

For public safety and crowd management, police advise visitors to bring protection against heat and rain. 

Parents bringing young children are requested to place name tags with contact details on them and to register at LGU booths near entry gates so lost children can be reconnected with their guardians quickly.

“Meron na tayong mga nakasusog na mga isasaradong kalsada at alternatibong mga kalsada. Ganun na rin yung mga kalsada magagamit para paradahan ng ating mga kababayan. Ipo-post natin ito sa ating official social media account ng Manila Police District. Ito yung Manila Police District at yung MPD PIO para maging gabay ng ating mga kababayan,” Ines said.

In addition, police urged citizens leaving their residences to properly secure their homes and inform trusted neighbors of their absence.

“Huwag na rin po kayo mag-post ng mga video nyo or mga picture nyo na wala kayo sa inyong mga tahanan. Alam naman natin na marami po ang mga… masasamang elemento. Baka mag-take advantage na gawin yung kanilang mga hindi magandang binabalak. At sumunod lang po tayo dun sa mga panuntunan ng ating awtoridad para maging maayos lang po yung inyong pagdalaw,” Ines added.