NCRPO deploys nearly 13,000 personnel for Undas; reminds public of cemetery restrictions

MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has deployed nearly 13,000 police personnel across Metro Manila to ensure public safety during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, an official said Saturday.

As of noon on October 31, NCRPO spokesperson PLtCol. Hazel Asilo said 12,848 personnel had been deployed on the ground, with 183 police assistance desks (PADs) established in cemeteries and transport terminals across the region.

Asilo said authorities had yet to monitor any untoward incidents as of noon, although police had already confiscated prohibited items from visitors entering cemeteries and conducted inspections at transport terminals.

“We have not monitored any untoward incident so far, except for the prohibited items confiscated at the gates, as well as the inspections being conducted before people enter the terminals,” Asilo said in a DZMM interview on Saturday.

As of the same time, police estimated nearly 240,000 people at bus terminals and around 75,000 visitors at cemeteries in Metro Manila.

The Manila North Cemetery continued to record the highest number of visitors, which Asilo attributed to its size.

“Sa ngayon po, ‘yung Manila North Cemetery ang pa rin ang may pinakamaraming nagpupunta. Since ‘yan naman ‘yung pinakamalaki natin na sementeryo so expected na po na ‘yan ‘yung lugar na talagang as early as now ay dinadagsa po ng ating mga kababayan,” she said.

The NCRPO had earlier announced plans to deploy 13,084 personnel for Undas 2026, including 625 officers from its regional support units. The police force was also placed under full alert status starting October 30 as authorities prepared for the influx of people in cemeteries, memorial parks and transport hubs. 

Asilo reminded the public to observe cemetery regulations, particularly restrictions on items that could pose security risks or cause inconvenience to other visitors.

Among the prohibited items are pointed or bladed objects such as knives, scissors and cutters, as well as alcoholic beverages, sound systems and musical instruments.

Lighters are also prohibited, although matches are allowed. Smoking, including the use of cigarettes and vapes, is likewise prohibited under local ordinances.

Pets, including dogs and cats, are not allowed inside cemeteries.

Umbrellas, however, are permitted as protection against the heat and possible rain. The use of tents will depend on the cemetery’s rules and available space.

Asilo said there is no specific size restriction for bags, but all belongings will be inspected before visitors are allowed entry.

She urged the public to check the announcements of their respective cemeteries before leaving home to avoid delays at entrances.

“Before po tayo umalis, siguraduhin na po natin ‘yung mga pinagbabawal at i-check na natin sa mga announcement ng sementeryong pupuntahan natin kung ano po ‘yung mga bawal para hindi na po natin madala at hindi na po tayo maabalan sa mahabang pila,” she said.

The reminders are in line with earlier advisories from cemetery administrators, including the Manila North Cemetery, which had prohibited vehicles from entering its premises during the Undas period and reminded visitors against bringing sharp objects, alcoholic drinks and pets. 

Meanwhile, the NCRPO urged Metro Manila residents traveling to their provinces or going on vacation during the Undas break to secure their homes before leaving.

Asilo advised residents to lock their doors, gates and windows and avoid leaving valuables or other items outside that could attract thieves.

She also reminded commuters to keep an eye on their belongings, particularly in crowded transport terminals, to avoid falling victim to theft.

“Unang-una po, bago natin iwan ang ating mga tahanan, i-secure po natin ang pinto, ang gate, ang bintana, huwag po tayo mag-iwan ng mahalagang gamit sa labas na makaka-attract ng attention ng mga kawatan na alam po naman natin sa mga panahon ito ay naghahanap ng kanilang mga bahay na mapipitima o mapapasok lalo po ‘yung alam nila na marami po aalis ng kanilang mga tahanan,” Asilo said.

“At nababantayan natin ‘yung ating mga gamit, halimbawa sa terminal, huwag po tayong basta-basta mag-iwan ng gamit natin baka malingat po tayo wala na yung mga gamit natin,” she added.