More than 40 million visits to cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria nationwide were recorded during the Undas 2026 observance, as police maintained security and confiscated thousands of prohibited items from visitors.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded 40,740,246 visits to 5,311 cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, based on monitoring data as of 6 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2.
Of the total, 1,695,440 visits were recorded during the Nov. 2 monitoring period alone, as families continued to flock to burial grounds to remember their departed loved ones on All Souls’ Day.
Alongside crowd management and public assistance, police personnel confiscated 6,499 prohibited items from cemetery premises nationwide as part of security and enforcement operations.
These included 879 pointed or bladed weapons, 62 alcoholic drinks, 2,817 lighters, 1,739 cigarette and vape products, 180 cooking materials and 397 flammable substances. Authorities also seized other restricted items.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said police personnel remained deployed at cemeteries and other convergence areas nationwide to maintain public order and assist families visiting their departed loved ones.
“Alam naming mahalaga ang araw na ito sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Kaya habang inaalala ninyo ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay, narito ang inyong kapulisan upang tumulong at tiyaking ligtas ang inyong pagdalaw,” Nartatez said.
The police deployment formed part of the security measures for the annual observance, when millions of Filipinos visit cemeteries and memorial parks to offer prayers, light candles and pay their respects to deceased relatives.
Authorities also continued enforcing cemetery regulations on prohibited items to prevent accidents and maintain the safety of visitors, particularly in areas experiencing large crowds.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., meanwhile, called on Filipinos to extend the spirit of remembrance beyond cemeteries by showing kindness, compassion and concern for people facing difficulties.
In his message for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, Marcos said the annual observance brings families together as they remember the lives and legacies of their departed loved ones.
“Across the country, families return to cemeteries, offering prayers and celebrating the lives and legacies of departed loved ones. Some travel great distances for these visits, finding an opportunity to reunite with relatives and recall the moments they once shared,” the President said.
He also encouraged the public to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of their departed loved ones and the examples of the saints, particularly their dedication to serving others.
“If we can make time to revere those who have passed, we can also make room to listen to those who struggle, and let that same concern guide our society and the work of government,” Marcos said.
He added that the observance should remind Filipinos to extend the same care they show their departed loved ones to those who remain, particularly people who need help and understanding.
“May these solemn days bring peace to those who mourn and remind us to cherish those who remain,” he added.
Before the observance, Marcos also assured the public that government agencies had prepared security, transportation and emergency response measures for the expected influx of travelers and cemetery visitors.
He said the PNP had deployed personnel to cemeteries and columbaria to maintain peace and order, while the Bureau of Fire Protection remained ready to respond to possible emergencies.
Hospitals and health emergency response teams were also placed on alert, with government agencies and local government units coordinating to provide immediate assistance in case of incidents.
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