Caraga: More than 5,000 security personnel, including police officers and force multipliers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, and volunteer groups, will secure this year’s observance of Undas in Caraga Region. On Thursday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) conducted a simultaneous send-off ceremony for 2,035 police personnel across the region, who will be assigned to various strategic locations for the observance of Undas from Nov. 1 to 2.
According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-13 Director, Brig. Gen. Marcial Mariano Magistrado IV, emphasized during the ceremony that while others spend their days in cemeteries, memorial parks, or at home, the PRO-13 stands at the forefront of ensuring a peaceful, orderly, and safe commemoration. He added that all police field units have been instructed to strictly follow the Undas 2025 Operational Guidelines, which include providing police assistance before, during, and after the observance.
The guidelines also account for the establishment of police assistance desks and hubs in cemeteries, highways, and other public convergence areas. The police deployment includes 310 personnel from the Agusan del Norte Police, 176 from the Agusan del Sur Police, 516 from the Surigao del Norte Police, 307 from the Surigao del Sur Police, 150 from the Dinagat Islands Police, and 318 from the Butuan City Police.
Additionally, 58 personnel will be deployed from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion, 125 from the regional headquarters, 30 from the Special Forces, and 45 from the Regional Support Unit. Security forces will protect 209 cemeteries, memorial parks, 183 churches, 94 tourist sites, five airports, 48 bus stations, and 16 seaports. Magistrado stated that 216 police assistance desks and hubs, along with 75 motorist assistance centers, will be established.
Meanwhile, local government units (LGUs) in the region have also set guidelines for orderly observance of Undas in their communities. In Tandag City, Surigao del Sur, Mayor Roxanne Pimentel has ordered that painting and cleaning of graves in cemeteries shall only be allowed until Thursday, with no burials or interments facilitated in public cemeteries from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. Security will be in place at cemetery entrances, and residents are reminded of prohibitions on smoking, drinking, playing loud music, gambling, and bringing pointed objects inside graveyards.
In Surigao City, the LGU issued an online advisory reminding residents of prohibited items in cemeteries, urging them to bring umbrellas for weather protection and to dispose of trash properly. They were advised to keep an eye on children, avoid bringing sharp objects, gambling items, liquor, and loudspeakers, and to note nearby first aid and police assistance desks.
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced a heightened alert status for Siargao Airport from Oct. 30 to Nov. 4, as part of the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2025, aiming to ensure passenger safety, security, and comfort during the period.
