BACOLOD CITY – In anticipation of the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day 2025, at least 900 uniformed personnel are set to be mobilized across the Negros Island Region to ensure public safety and security during the holidays.
Police Regional Office-NIR Director PBrig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay said recently that the forces to be deployed consist of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and volunteer groups.
They will be strategically deployed in 186 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria located within the region, as well in bus terminals, ports, and major thoroughfares from October 29 to November 3, 2025.
“We expect that our bus stations and ports will be crowded a day before or two days before the Undas,” Ibay said, citing the reason why the deployment of forces was prior to the observance.
Security measures include the establishment of Police Assistance Desks, deployment of Road Safety Marshals, conduct of checkpoints and visibility patrols, and activation of Assistance Hubs along highways and public areas to provide aid to the elderly, persons with disabilities, and travelers.
Two hundred twenty-six Police Assistance Desks are also set to be established during Undas.
“The activated comprehensive security and public safety operations are to ensure a peaceful, orderly, and safe Undas for all,” Ibay added.
During the period, liquor, gambling, firearms, and sharp objects are prohibited from cemeteries and churches.
Under the campaign “Ligtas UNDAS 2025,” public awareness will be heightened through massive information drives while all police personnel are mandated to strictly adhere to PNP Operational Procedures, exercise maximum tolerance, and uphold respect for human rights in all engagements. (Richard Caballero Jr. via tvds)