To ensure safe, orderly, and peaceful travel for millions of Filipinos during this year’s “Undas,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were placed on alert, with acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. personally inspecting major bus terminals in Quezon City on Oct. 30 to assess ground readiness under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025.
The PNP has mobilized more than 50,000 police personnel and placed all units on heightened alert from October 29 to November 3 to secure cemeteries, columbaria, and transportation terminals.
Police Assistance Desks (PADs) and mobile patrols have been established to respond to emergencies and guide travelers.
“We are checking if the preparations we made are properly implemented on the ground. The goal is to ensure a safe and comfortable travel for all our kababayan,” Nartatez said.
He emphasized that police visibility—from transport hubs and highways to cemeteries and places of worship—is being intensified nationwide.
“Undas is a time to honor our departed loved ones. We remind everyone to celebrate responsibly and keep the solemn character of these holy days,” he added.
During his rounds, Nartatez reminded police commanders to coordinate closely with local government units (LGUs) and barangay officials to safeguard communities left unattended during the long weekend.
Police commanders were also tasked to secure tourist spots and other places of convergence as some Filipinos are expected to take advantage of the long weekend for bonding with friends and relatives.
Meanwhile, the PCG reported an early surge in port passengers as thousands headed to the provinces and island destinations.
Between midnight and 6 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31, the PCG logged 23,320 outbound and 17,388 inbound passengers in various ports nationwide.
PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said the heaviest passenger traffic was recorded in Southern Tagalog ports, particularly in Batangas.
“To ensure safety, our personnel are conducting strict pre-departure inspections and monitoring compliance with safety requirements, especially among smaller motorbancas,” Cayabyab said.
The PCG deployed 5,308 personnel across 16 districts and inspected 353 vessels and 34 motorbancas as part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2025.
Cayabyab reminded travelers to buy tickets early, arrive at ports ahead of schedule, and remain vigilant against unauthorized or overloaded vessels. (Martin Sadongdong)
