PNP inspects Manila North Cemetery ahead of Undas, records low threat level

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a low threat level at Manila North Cemetery as it inspected security preparations on Friday, two days before the observance of Undas.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said more than 230,000 police personnel had been deployed nationwide to ensure public safety during the annual observance.

“So far, we have a low threat level. Wala tayong threat. We are 230,000-plus and all of these are deployed. Except for those who are on exceptional circumstances na naka-leave sila at on emergency,” Nartatez said during the inspection at the country’s largest public cemetery in Metro Manila.

Nartatez was joined by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano and Manila Police District Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Santiago in inspecting the 54-hectare cemetery.

Early visitors have started arriving to remember their departed loved ones ahead of the expected influx of cemetery-goers on November 1 and 2.

Among them was Janneth Galang, who brought her five-year-old child to visit her late partner.

“Kung nabubuhay lang po sana siya, hindi po kami nagkalayo-layo, lalo na po yung bunso ko. Kasi mahirap din po kasi kapag malayo yung bata, hindi sila kumpleto. Parang lagi pong may kulang,” Galang said.

Seventy-nine-year-old Erlinda Flores also visited the cemetery despite getting lost inside its sprawling grounds. She recalled being separated from her fellow senior companions and having to take an e-trike to get home.

“Ang sabi sa anak ko, marami nang tao. Nawala na ‘ko dito eh, ang kasama ko pareho kong senior din. Eh, nagkahiwalay kami, nagsakay na lang ako ng e-trike, hinatid ako sa amin. Nasaktan rin ako, mahirap. Eh nung kaming nag-tirik ng kandila, walang alay,” Flores said.

Meanwhile, vendors reported slow sales of flowers, priced between P150 and P400, and candles, ranging from P30 to P250. They expect business to pick up as more people visit the cemetery over the weekend.

“Sa ngayon po kasi, matumal pa talaga kasi syempre may pasok pa po. Eh kaya lang, yung mga dumadaan dito naman sinarado, yung mabenta naman po sa harap. Kahit saan ka naman dito, pagdating po talaga ng November 1, 2, matik yan, lahat po yan may benta,” said vendor Aiko Mondragon.

Road closures around the cemetery began at midnight on October 30 and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on November 1.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso said the early implementation of road closures would allow authorities to prepare and secure the area as more cemetery-goers arrive. He also assured the public that e-trike rides within the cemetery would remain free.

As of 6 p.m. Friday, police estimated the number of people inside the cemetery at 12,400.

Authorities reminded the public that firearms, sharp objects, alcoholic beverages, gambling activities, overnight stays and loud sound systems are prohibited inside the cemetery.