Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced plans to utilize its cyber units for enhanced security during the upcoming “Undas” holidays on November 1 and 2. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. detailed that these units will collaborate with regional monitoring hubs to oversee social media activity and digital incident reports, aiming to identify potential threats or misinformation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez emphasized the shift in security dynamics, stating that monitoring must extend to digital spaces where misinformation and scams proliferate rapidly, especially during peak travel periods. He highlighted that technology enhances situational awareness, aiding the PNP in efficient personnel deployment and early problem detection.
Nartatez has instructed the Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) to identify and address fake advisories, phishing attempts, or online scams masquerading as travel assistance or cemetery services. Additionally, the use of crowd behavior analytics from CCTV networks, drone footage, and mobile app data will assist in real-time monitoring of movements in transport centers and major cemeteries.
The PNP confirmed that no threats have been detected for this year’s observance. On the ground, the deployment will include approximately 25,300 police personnel and 22,000 force multipliers nationwide to maintain public safety. Specifically, in Metro Manila, 8,575 PNP personnel will be dispatched, comprising 8,323 uniformed officers from various police units and 252 from support units. Essential services such as assistance desks, patrol teams, and traffic management units will be positioned at key locations including cemeteries, bus terminals, seaports, and airports.
In preparation for Undas, the PNP Public Information Office (PIO) conducted a surprise random drug testing for 37 uniformed and non-uniformed personnel at Camp Crame, Quezon City. This was coordinated closely with the PNP Forensic Group. Brig Gen. Randulf Tua±o, PNP Spokesperson and PIO chief, underscored the importance of this initiative, which seeks to instill ethical behavior and personal responsibility among personnel, ensuring integrity and transparency in their service to the community.
