PNP to deploy over 72,000 personnel for Undas 2026

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will deploy more than 72,000 police personnel nationwide for Undas 2026, with additional security and emergency responders bringing the total deployment to over 140,000.

PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the deployment will include personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies, as well as force multipliers.

“This is purposely for the Undas alone. This will be our personnel who will be guarding our thoroughfares, cemeteries, columbarias, transportation hubs, as well as tourist spots,” Co said.

The PNP will be placed under full alert status from October 30 to November 2.

Police will also establish public assistance desks in cemeteries, supported by emergency response and medical teams.

Authorities are coordinating with local government units to manage traffic and respond to motorists whose vehicles break down along major thoroughfares.

Co reminded the public to observe cemetery regulations, including the prohibition on firearms, knives, illegal drugs, intoxicating liquor and gambling.

“We are preventing anyone from drinking inside the cemeteries. Of course, illegal drugs, na kahit saan naman po bawal, all the more dito,” Co said.

“Malakas na sound system— let others observe ‘yung solemnity of the occasion. This is not the time nor the place to play loud music,” he added.

Meanwhile, the PNP warned homeowners against posting real-time updates on social media that could reveal their houses are unattended while the entire family is away visiting cemeteries.

Co said such posts could alert burglars that no one is home.

“One of the most important but sometimes we forget is ‘yung posting na real-time na walang naiwan sa ating mga bahay. Ito ay napakalaking parang imbitasyon sa mga masasamang loob na ‘walang tao sa aming bahay,’” he warned.

The public was advised to secure doors and windows before leaving and take other precautions against theft.

Motorists were likewise urged to check their vehicles’ roadworthiness before traveling to avoid breakdowns that could cause traffic congestion.

As part of its security preparations, the PNP said it has contingency plans tailored to specific cemeteries, including arrangements in areas where vehicles may be prohibited on certain days.

Co said authorities are also continuously monitoring potential threats, including cybercrime, although he did not cite any specific threat related to Undas.

He added that the annual observance is a recurring event for which police have already made preparations in coordination with local governments and other concerned agencies.