Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna announced on Monday, Oct. 23, that the city government has formed "Task Force Undas" to finalize security measures for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Task Force Undas is composed of the heads of Manila North and South Cemeteries, city engineer’s office, Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Manila Heath Department (MHD), Manila Social Welfare (MSW), and Manila Police District (MPD)
The mayor said that MPD chief Col. Arnold Ibay has deployed 350 policemen to the Manila South Cemetery and 450 to the Manila North Cemetery.
Portalets will also be put in place for the crowds that are expected to flock to both cemeteries on Nov. 1 and 2.
Lacuna-Pangan also said that unlike last year, children are now allowed to join their guardians in visiting the tombs of their loved ones.
The children, she said, must register upon entering the cemeteries' premises for easier tracking in case they get lost.
Pets, on the other hand, are still not allowed inside the two public cemeteries.