MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday that they have not received any threats related to the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day, otherwise known as Undas. However, they will continue to maintain vigilance and monitor potential risks.

“So far, we have not received any threats. Our monitoring efforts will remain ongoing,” Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the Chief of the PNP said during an impromptu interview with reporters at the Manila North Cemetery, the country’s biggest necropolis.

Acorda shared that over 37,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout the country to ensure the security of the Undas observance.

To assess security measures, Acorda personally inspected the Manila North Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. He noted that only a few dangerous items were confiscated from visitors upon their entry into the cemetery. Additionally, he reported that there have been no instances of disorder at cemeteries nationwide.

In a separate statement, the PNP highlighted comprehensive plans for crowd control, traffic management, and public safety during Undas. Law enforcement officers, along with other agencies and force multipliers, were stationed at key locations, including 3,808 memorial parks, public cemeteries, and columbaria.

The public was urged to remain vigilant in securing their homes when absent and to exercise caution in crowded areas. The PNP encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police officers or through the PNP hotlines.

Motorists were also reminded to follow traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Acorda emphasized, “We want everyone to be able to observe this significant tradition without any concerns for their well-being. Our officers are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful environment for everyone.”

He added, “The PNP would like to remind the public that safety is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can guarantee a peaceful and secure Undas observance for everyone.”

On Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo cautioned the public about common crimes during Undas, saying, “Normally, when there is a large volume of people, we observe crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and physical injuries.”

(Report & photography by Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

On Wednesday, the 1st of November, 2023, in Quezon City’s Bagbag Cemetery, families and friends came together to offer solemn prayers, place flowers, and light candles at the resting places of their beloved departed.

Photographs featured here immortalize the touching moments when these families and friends offered their heartfelt prayers in observance of All Saints’ Day, a significant event in the Christian calendar.

(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

MANILA — The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms are expected over Metro Manila on All Saints’ Day.

This weather phenomenon is attributed to a low-pressure area (LPA) and a shear line.

In its 4 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA stated that the LPA over the coastal waters of Caramoran, Catanduanes, in combination with the shear line affecting the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon, will also bring cloudy conditions and scattered rains to mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Bulacan, Calabarzon, Marinduque, and Camarines Norte.

Meanwhile, the northeast monsoon, known as “amihan,” is affecting the rest of Northern and Central Luzon, resulting in cloudy skies with rains over the Cordillera region, Nueva Ecija, and the remaining areas of Cagayan Valley.

The Ilocos region and the rest of Central Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rain showers.

In other regions, such as the Visayas, Mindanao, the remainder of Mimaropa, and the Bicol region, partly cloudy to cloudy skies are expected with isolated rains or thunderstorms, largely due to localized thunderstorm activity.

Here are the expected temperature ranges for some key areas:

Metro Manila: 25°C to 31°C
Baguio City: 16°C to 24°C
Laoag City: 23°C to 34°C
Legazpi City: 25°C to 30°C
Metro Cebu: 26°C to 32°C
Puerto Princesa City: 26°C to 31°C
Metro Davao: 25°C to 34°C

(JR AMIGO/ai/mnm)

Elements of the Philippine National Police have been monitoring the steady influx of visitors to the Manila North Cemetery since Tuesday, 31 October 2023.

As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 01 November 2023 (All Saints’ Day), their number accordingly reached 100,000 and counting.

Located in the City of Manila, the country’s capital, this modern necropolis holds a community of an estimated 10 to 50 thousand

Filipinos that live alongside the over one million dead in PH’s largest cemetery.

(ai/mnm)

The 103-hectare “Libingan ng mga Bayani” in Taguig is now ready to receive thousands of visitors who will be paying their respects to their departed loved ones on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

Grave service units diligently enhanced their arrangements to ensure the comfort of visitors during the widely observed religious celebration in the Philippines, All Saints Day.

All Saints Day also offers a special occasion for families to unite, as they gather to honor their beloved departed with prayers, the offering of flowers, and the lighting of candles.

In a photograph taken on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, a Philippine army officer can be seen placing flaglets and candle settings at Libingan Ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, in preparation for the upcoming All Saints Day religious observance.

(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)