Over 12,000 police officers will be deployed across Metro Manila to ensure peace and order during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, locally known as Undas.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced that police units in the metropolis will enter full alert status starting October 30 as part of their comprehensive security preparations.
“Our operational plan for Undas is already in place,” NCRPO spokesperson Lt. Col. Hazel Asilo said during a radio interview on Sunday.
“This is anchored on police visibility, crowd management, traffic assistance, anti-criminal operations, and swift emergency response,” Asilo added.
As of Saturday, Asilo said a total of 12,325 personnel had already been earmarked for deployment.
She noted that the figure may change depending on security assessments conducted in the coming days.
Asilo explained that more than 2,000 of these officers will be assigned directly to the vicinity of 147 cemeteries, columbaria, and memorial parks across Metro Manila.
The remaining personnel will be positioned at other public convergence points, including churches, shopping malls, bus terminals, and train stations.
Asilo also said officers will be deployed along major thoroughfares in anticipation of residents traveling to provinces to honor departed loved ones or take vacations.
“We will be raising full alert status here in Metro Manila starting at 12:10 a.m. of October 30,” Asilo said.
Citing information from the North Cemetery, Asilo noted that authorities are expecting around two million cemetery visitors.
“This is higher compared to the 1.8 million visitors last year,” Asilo added, noting that the NCRPO is still awaiting crowd estimates for South Cemetery and other sites.
Asilo urged the public to stay vigilant against common crimes such as robbery, theft, pickpocketing, and online scams, which tend to increase during peak holiday periods.
She advised the public to avoid carrying large sums of cash and wearing expensive jewelry whenever possible.
Asilo also said residents leaving their homes should ensure doors, windows, and gates are securely locked.
She highlighted that individuals should refrain from posting on social media that they are away, as such updates can alert burglars to unattended homes.
“To our kababayans in Metro Manila, we in the NCRPO are ready to ensure your safety while you are out in the streets or in the digital space,” Asilo said.