Manila Bulletin
Philippines
National
PNP, PCG note 'peaceful, orderly' Undas; fewer passengers in ports
Philippines
National
PNP, PCG note 'peaceful, orderly' Undas; fewer passengers in ports
PNP, PCG note 'peaceful, orderly' Undas; fewer passengers in ports
Published Nov 1, 2025 10:58 am
|
Updated Nov 1, 2025 01:52 pm
A K9 dog of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assists in checking passengers' bags while Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel provide security at Dumangas Port in Iloilo province on October 31, 2025 ahead of All Saints' and All Souls' Day. The PCG and PNP are coordinating with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to strengthen security in major ports of Western Visayas. (Photo via Tara Yap / MANILA BULLETIN)
The observance of "Undas" has been “peaceful and orderly” so far despite a massive travel surge, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on All Saints' Day on Saturday, Nov. 1, citing real-time command monitoring and tight coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on land and sea.
Based on the collated data from the ground as of 6 a.m., acting PNP Chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they have not monitored any incident or threat in all places of convergence, from transportation hubs to cemeteries.
“Our goal is to make Undas 2025 peaceful and orderly. We are continuously monitoring the situation on the ground and with the dedication of our personnel and counterparts from other government agencies, and with the cooperation of the public, we are on the right track of achieving that goal,” he said.
Nartatez said the peaceful situation on the ground was secured by the massive inter-agency deployment.
More than 50,000 policemen were deployed as early as Oct. 30 in time for the start of the exodus of millions of people to their respective provinces for the observance of Undas with their relatives.
A total of 20,829 policemen were deployed in 4,901 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria. They were augmented by barangay security offices, soldiers,PCG personnel, and other forces from government agencies and volunteer groups for a total of 66,925 manpower.
There were also 4,352 policemen deployed in 1,478 Motorists Assistance Centers across the country as Nartatez said that the presence of policemen must also be felt along major thoroughfares. They were augmented by more than 7,000 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), PCG, and security personnel from the local government units (LGUs), and other volunteer groups for a total of 11,655 people manning the assistance centers.
A total of 144 policemen were also deployed in various airports, 636 policemen in 363 ports, and 1,455 policemen in bus stations across the country. Most of them are manning police assistance desks (PADs).
700K passengers in ports
Meanwhile, the PCG maintained a perfect safety record across all ports despite high traffic.
PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab reported that they have not received any maritime incident since the agency was placed on a heightened alert status on Oct. 30. The alert will remain until November 4.
“Hanggang sa kasalukuyan wala po tayong natatanggap na mga maritime incidents at inaasahan na hanggang matapos ang Undas ay patuloy ang seguridad sa ating mga pantalan (As of now, we have not received any reports of maritime incidents, and we expect security at our ports to be maintained throughout the Undas observance),” she said.
From Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, the PCG has recorded a total of 369,221 outbound passengers and 340,570 inbound passengers. This was lower than the two million inbound and outbound passengers logged in 2024.
“Ang nakikita na area na medyo mataas na number na namonitor na pasahero ay sa area ng Cebu, Batangas at Iloilo (The areas where a relatively higher number of passengers have been monitored are Cebu, Batangas, and Iloilo),” she said.
Cayabyab confirmed that the rigorous enforcement of safety standards was preventing mishaps.
“Pinapaigting po ang pagco-conduct ng pre-departure inspection sa lahat ng barko at motorboat na umaalis sa ating pantalan (Pre-departure inspections are being intensified for all ships and motorboats departing from our ports),” she said.
She also stressed the firm directive from PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan that there should be no excess passengers in vessels. “Kung ano lang at sino lang ang nakalagay sa manifesto, sila lang ang pwedeng makasakay sa mga barko at motorbanca (Only those listed in the manifest are allowed to board the ships and motorboats),” she noted.
For the period covering 12 midnight to 6 a.m. on November 1 alone, the PCG recorded 16,250 outbound and 17,970 inbound passengers, with 5,230 frontline personnel deployed to inspect 219 vessels and 250 motorbancas.
The PCG activated its deployable response groups, including rescue swimmers, medical teams, and floating assets, as part of intensified safety measures. According to Cayabyab, the teams were mobilized in anticipation of unfavorable weather and sea conditions that often occur during this period.
The PCG also noted increased activities in coastal areas and beaches, particularly where a large number of travelers have been monitored. To strengthen response capabilities, the agency has also deployed rescue swimmers and lifeguards to island resorts and coastal beaches to provide immediate assistance when necessary.
Nartatez and Cayabyab urged the public to maintain vigilance throughout the observance of Undas. They reminded cemetery-goers to comply with local rules, including the ban on deadly weapons and alcohol.