PBBM orders agencies to prioritize public safety, order
Millions of Filipinos will visit the tombs of the departed loved ones at cemeteries across the country during Undas – a collective term to refer to All Saints’ Day (Todos Los Santos) today and All Souls’ Day tomorrow.
Over 1 million are expected to troop to Manila North Cemetery, where some 500 Manila Police District personnel are deployed.
MPD public information office chief Maj. Philipp Ines said the number of visitors could be equal or higher than last year’s 1.5 million.
Manila South Cemetery OIC Director John Mark Mendez said they expect at least one million visitors until the end of Undas on Sunday.
Free rides will be offered to priority groups such as senior citizens, pregnant women and PWDs while private vehicles will not be allowed inside the cemetery, which has also prohibited overnight stays.
Manila Memorial Park assistant manager Len Acosta said some 800,000 visitors are expected over the weekend.
While most Filipinos will be marking Undas inside cemeteries, residents in two towns in Benguet province still bury the dead on their property as part of their culture.
The municipality of Atok and Kabayan are the only two remaining towns in Benguet which have yet to establish a public cemetery.
Atok town Mayor Franklin Smith said: “We grew up with the custom of having close family ties that is why we bury our dead close to where we live. This will allow us family members to mourn the death and cope with the loss by seeing the tomb still very close to us.”
“In our culture, we believe in the practices of our ancestors which were passed on from generation to generation. That is why we never had cemeteries. We bury our deceased loved ones in our properties which is also a recognized proof of ownership of the family over the property,” the mayor added.
But with the changing times, establishing a public cemetery will soon become a reality.
Local government officials have identified three potential areas in Barangays Poblacion, Naguey and Pasong but consultations with the community will still have to be done.
As this developed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed all concerned agencies to make public safety during Undas a top national priority.
“Every year Undas happens, so the government is ready. What’s important is that the remembrance of our fellow citizens for their loved ones is orderly, safe, and peaceful,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
Castro said the President issued clear directives to ensure that security, health, and consumer protection measures are in place for millions of Filipinos traveling to their hometowns to commemorate All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian has placed DSWD field offices on standby to assist travelers and distribute relief goods such as ready-to-eat meals, family food packs, and non-food items in case of emergencies or stranded passengers.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa conducted on-site inspections of DOH emergency tents along the South Luzon Expressway on Thursday to monitor conditions amid heavy traffic and high travel volume.
Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. likewise ordered intensified patrols in cemeteries, transport terminals, and business areas.
About 31,200 police officers have been deployed nationwide, reinforced by 11,700 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Philippine Coast Guard.
An additional 29,900 force multipliers, composed of barangay tanods, ranger groups, and volunteers, are assisting in maintaining public order.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board also ordered all regional directors to act fast on all complaints and concerns raised through Hotline 09567610739.
LTFRB chairperson Vigor Mendoza II said he saw the need for the agency to be responsive to complaints since most of them are related to road safety and discipline of drivers.
