AS millions of Filipinos prepare to visit cemeteries and memorial parks for the annual Undas observance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has instructed all local government units (LGUs), along with the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), to implement comprehensive measures to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and safe commemoration of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days in 2025.
In a memorandum issued to all provincial governors, city and municipal mayors, and punong barangays, the DILG urged local officials to take proactive steps in maintaining peace and order during the long weekend, from October 31 (Friday) to November 2 (Sunday).
“We are reminding all local officials to take proactive measures to guarantee that our cemeteries, roads, and communities remain safe, clean, and orderly throughout Undas. Preparedness, coordination, and vigilance are key to a peaceful observance,” the DILG said.
Local chief executives are directed to convene their Local Peace and Order Councils and ensure readiness for the influx of people visiting cemeteries and memorial parks within their areas of responsibility. They are encouraged to assess risks and hazards, mobilize law enforcers, barangay tanods, BPATs, traffic aides, and medical teams, and coordinate closely with traffic management offices, the PNP, and other emergency responders to ensure public safety and smooth traffic flow.
The PNP has been instructed to activate its security plans and increase police visibility in public and private cemeteries, transport terminals, and major thoroughfares. Police assistance desks are to be set up to guide and assist the public. The BFP and BJMP have likewise been directed to work in coordination with the PNP and LGUs to provide immediate response to emergencies, fires, or any public safety concerns during the observance.
DILG Regional Directors have been tasked to immediately disseminate the directive and ensure that all LGUs under their jurisdiction are implementing the necessary safety measures.
“Undas is a time for remembrance and prayer, but it is also a time for public cooperation. We urge everyone to follow local advisories, observe cleanliness, and prioritize safety while visiting their loved ones,” the DILG added.
The Department assured the public that all concerned agencies are working in close coordination to deliver a safe, peaceful, and meaningful observance of Undas 2025, in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for a Bagong Pilipinas built on peace, order, and shared community responsibility.
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