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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Undas' generally peaceful, orderly; PNP braces for return of Pinoys from provinces

'Undas' generally peaceful, orderly; PNP braces for return of Pinoys from provinces

Published Nov 2, 2025 02:35 pm
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (right) inspects a bus terminal in Quezon City on October 30, 2025 to check on the readiness of police personnel deployed under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025. (PHoto: Office of the Chief, PNP)
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. (right) inspects a bus terminal in Quezon City on October 30, 2025 to check on the readiness of police personnel deployed under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025. (PHoto: Office of the Chief, PNP)
The nationwide observance of All Saints and All Souls Days, locally referred to as “Undas” was generally peaceful and orderly, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Sunday, Nov. 2, as it braces for the return of millions of Filipinos who went to their home provinces to honor their departed loved ones.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said they have not recorded any incident that affected the two-day observance of ‘Undas”, beginning from the travel of millions of people as early as Oct. 30.
“Overall, the observance of ‘Undas’ 2025 was generally peaceful and orderly across the country. We have not monitored major untoward incidents. The visible presence of law enforcement in cemeteries, terminals, and major thoroughfares served as a powerful deterrent,” said Nartatez.
Based on the PNP data, more than 2.2 million Filipinos were reported to visited cemeteries and memorial parks across the country while 197,070 visited columbaria.
Police mobilized more than 50,000 personnel for the “Undas” and will remain under heightened alert status until Monday, Nov. 3, or until the return of those who travelled to the provinces.
Police visibility remains high, with 5,018 Police Assistance Desks established in 4,901 cemeteries and 1,531 Motorists Assistance Centers strategically positioned along major highways and transport terminals nationwide.
Security teams are also present in 70 airports, 682 bus terminals, 363 seaports, and 78 train stations, ensuring smooth passenger movement and public assistance for travelers returning to their provinces.
Initial assessments of the PNP showed a significant reduction in public safety concerns and crime incidents, particularly for common offenses like petty theft and physical injury, compared to 2024 figures.
Nartatez then lauded all police units that demonstrated discipline and efficiency during the deployment.
“I commend all our police offices and units on the ground for their dedication and professionalism throughout the activity. Their visibility and quick response ensured that our kababayans were able to observe ‘Undas’ safely and peacefully,” Nartatez said.
Bracing for return
Police forces, especially those manning the motorist assistance centers along major thoroughfares and police assistance desks in transportation hubs, were ordered to remain alert in anticipation of the influx of motor vehicles and commuters from various provinces.
Nartatez said the security plan covers the return of Filipinos to their work places and schools in Metro Manila and other urban areas.
In Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin ordered his men to remain in their posts up to the time that the return of Filipino travelers is completed, expectedly until Monday, Nov. 3.
Police forces in Metro Manila are on highest security alert status and the instruction is to secure not only transportation hubs but also all the roads leading to and from them.
Blueprint for Christmas security
Nartatez said the successful methodology implemented under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025 which emphasized early deployment, interagency trust, and maximum visibility, will immediately serve as the blueprint for securing the upcoming Christmas holiday season.
“The unwavering cooperation of the public, their vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines, was instrumental in this successful observance. We thank our kababayan and our partner agencies,” said Nartatez.
“We now carry this momentum forward to ensure a safe, peaceful, and joyful Christmas season,” he added.
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