Passengers begin returning to Metro Manila after Undas visits, break

MANILA — Passengers started returning to Metro Manila on Monday after visiting the graves of their departed loved ones in their respective provinces for the observance of Undas.

Among those arriving at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) were passengers from Bicol, Cavite, Mindoro, and northern provinces.

One of them was Victorino Tanay, a single parent from San Simon, Pampanga, who traveled to General Trias, Cavite, to visit the grave of his 17-year-old child, who died of a brain tumor.

Tanay said his trip back was relatively smooth, allowing him to return to work early. He owns a barbershop and has two children in college whom he continues to support.

“Okay naman. Medyo madali yung pagbyahe ko. Meron akong nasakyan na bus na diretso from Cavite… Wala gaanong traffic,” he said.

He added that he wanted to return early so he could resume working at his barber shop in Pampanga and continue providing for his children’s education.

Meanwhile, 77-year-old Norma Canicula-Pelingon traveled alone from Legazpi City, Albay, to her residence in Dasmariñas, Cavite, after visiting her late parents.

She said she wanted to return early to also visit her husband’s grave in Dasmariñas.

“Syempre yung makita mo yung libingan ng mga magulang mo ay medyo malungkot pero tanggap naman na kasi matagal na. Kaya lang, talagang inaalala lang namin syempre para huwag namin makalimutan,” she said.

“Kailangan kong habulin yung November 2 para sa Kapistahan ng mga Kaluluwa… Tapos dadalaw sa sementeryo sa Providence,” Canicula-Pelingon added.

PITX data showed that the terminal recorded an estimated 92,231 passenger foot traffic as of 1 p.m. on November 1.

More passengers are expected to arrive at the terminal on Monday as travelers make their way back to Metro Manila following the Undas break.

The Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and terminal medical personnel remain on standby to assist passengers.