MANILA — Umabot sa halos isang milyon ang bilang ng mga indibidwal na nagtungo at bumisita sa mga puntod ng kanilang mga yumaong kaanak sa Manila North Cemetery.

Ito’y ayon sa Philippine National Police na nakadeploy sa MNC at anila, ang datos ay nakalap mula nang buksan ang nasabing sementeryo dakong alas-4:00 ng madaling araw ng Miyerkoles.

Sa entrance pa lamang ng Manila North Cemetery ay mahaba na ang pila dahil isa-isang iniinspeksiyon ang mga bag at dala-dalahan ng mga bumibisita.

Samantala, dakong alas-9 ng umaga nitong Miyerkoles (November 1) ay bumisita rin si PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. at kinumpirma na walang banta sa seguridad sa paggunita ng Undas.

Sa pagtungo nito sa MNC, sinabi ni Acorda na wala silang natatanggap at nakakalap na impormasyon hinggil sa banta ng panggugulo ngayong Undas.

Ayon pa sa PNP chief, ipauubaya niya sa area commanders ang pananatili ng seguridad at antas ng alerto depende sa sitwasyon sa kanilang lugar.

(Ulat at potograpiya ni Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)

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)

Chaos prevailed at Manila North Cemetery, resulting in one person with a disability and two senior citizens going missing after a massive crowd flooded the country’s largest necropolis. The gates opened at around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

According to the police, they had already processed and permitted the entry of approximately 100,000 people since Tuesday, and when the gates officially opened early Wednesday morning, the situation escalated.

A search and rescue mission has been launched by the police to locate the missing three individuals.

As of the time of this posting on Wednesday, a long queue was observed due to the influx of thousands of visitors. The police were individually inspecting them to ensure prohibited items such as broomsticks, paint, and thinner were not brought into the cemetery. Items confiscated by the police included cigarettes, lighters, vapes, and perfumes, all of which are not allowed inside the cemetery.

Earlier, PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr confirmed that there was no security threat during the observance of Undas (All Saints’ Day).

During an inspection visit to Manila North Cemetery a few days ago, Acorda mentioned that they had not received any information about the possibility of disturbances during this Undas.

According to the PNP Chief, area commanders will be responsible for maintaining alertness, depending on the situation in their respective areas.

(Benjie Cuaresma/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 National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) conducted its final inspection at the Manila North Cemetery on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Leading this inspection were Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. and MPD Director Police Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay. They were joined by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos.

The images captured Secretary Abalos alongside the police officers during their visit to the North Cemetery for the final inspection in preparation for tomorrow’s religious celebration, All Saints’ Day.

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

Manila’s North and South cemeteries are now being prepared for this year’s observance of All Saints and All Souls Day. The Manila City government has initiated the cleanup, with the City Engineering Office clearing team working to remove fallen trees inside the cemetery on Thursday, October 12, 2023, along with other eyesores.

The local government has also issued guidelines for visiting loved ones within the cemetery, ensuring that health protocols are strictly adhered to.

Cleaning of graves will be permitted until October 25, while burials will be temporarily suspended from October 28 to November 3.

Vehicle access will be allowed in the North Cemetery until October 25 and in the South Cemetery starting on October 28.

Between October 30 and November 2, the cemetery gates will be opened from 5 am to 5 pm daily.

Please be guided accordingly.

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