NCRPO gears up for Undas 2026, expects more cemetery-goers

MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office assures police presence across areas of convergence in Metro Manila as they expect higher number of individuals to flock to cemeteries, churches and terminals on November 1 (All Saints’ Day) and November 2 (All Souls’ Day).

NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Hazel Asilo said an operations plan will be in place focusing on police visibility, crowd management, traffic assistance, anti-criminality operations and emergency response.

“Batay sa pagtataya ng ating mga cemetery administrators, mas dadagsain po ang ating Undas ngayon since natapat po siya ng weekend,” Asilo said in a phone interview with state-run media PTV Monday, October 19.

In Manila North Cemetery, Asilo said more than 2 million individuals are expected to visit their departed loved ones which is higher compared to last year’s 1.6 million.

NCRPO will be placed under full alert status beginning 12:01 in the morning of October 30 and police personnel will not be permitted to take a leave of absence, according to Asilo.

An initial 12,325 police members from the NCRPO and regional police offices will be deployed to ensure safety for this year’s Undas.

“Sa mga sementeryo po, mayroon po tayong uniformed police visibility, mayroon po tayong ilalatag na police assistance desk at may inspection po ng mga bag sa ating mga entrance katulong ‘yung ating mga force multipliers,” Asilo noted.

“Mayroon po tayong mga naka-plain clothes or overt operatives po natin sa mga crowded areas laban po sa mga magnanakaw at snatchers,” she added.

Asilo also reminded cemetery-goers to avoid bringing prohibited items including sharp objects, flammable materials and sound system.