Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro join press conference on Wednesday, October 29 at South Bus Terminal
CROWDS are beginning to fill Cebu’s major terminals ahead of Undas 2025.
Behind the rush, however, is a provincewide safety plan designed to keep travel smooth, secure, and well-coordinated.
The Cebu Provincial Government, Cebu City Government, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7, Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, and terminal operators have joined forces for a unified safety campaign.
The initiative is part of the nationwide “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2025” operation.
It covers law enforcement deployment, roadside assistance, medical response, and random drug testing of public transport drivers.
Security and medical
Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province has assigned around 300 policemen across key areas.
“Ang sa province amoa na gideploy ang 300 policemen no to go around the province to make sure nga safe atoang katawhan during sa kalag-kalag 2025,” she said.
First aid teams, ambulances, and medical booths have also been set up at the north and south bus terminals. These will handle passengers in need of medical assistance or emergency care.
The Cebu North and South Bus Terminals have activated their contingency plans for the expected surge of passengers.
Libreng Sakay
To ease congestion, they are offering “libreng sakay” services for senior citizens, children, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Terminal Administrator Ahmed Cuizon said three buses and three coasters are designated for the free rides within Cebu.
“Akoa lang awhag sa pasahero nga let us take advantage of the satellite terminals aron dili kaayo maghuot, magsugwak ang mga taw sa Cebu North Bus and South Bus Terminal,” he said.
He explained that around 500 to 600 buses operate at the terminals daily.
The additional free units will supplement regular trips and reduce waiting time.
Satellite terminals have also been activated in Pardo for southbound trips and in the North Reclamation Area for northbound routes.
These are expected to help disperse crowds from the main terminals.
Random drug test
As part of the joint operation, PDEA 7 conducted a surprise drug test among terminal drivers.
“Actually this morning, nagconduct ta og random drug testing sa mga drivers. Basically to promote ang public safety kay kabalo man ta, influx sa mga pasahero so daghan manguli,” said PDEA 7 Director III Joel B. Plaza.
He said the test is part of the campaign for drug-free workplaces in transport companies.
Out of 267 drivers and conductors tested, five yielded positive results.
Those who tested positive include two taxi drivers, one bus driver, one minibus driver, and one conductor. Their licenses were confiscated pending confirmatory testing.
LTO 7 said the individuals were also turned over to the Cebu City Office for Substance Abuse Prevention (COSAP) for evaluation and intervention.
Regional Director Glen Galario said the testing helps ensure that public utility vehicle operators are fit to serve. “
“This random drug testing helps assure the riding public that their drivers and conductors are fit for duty and are not using illegal drugs,” he said.
Galario added that the LTO coordinated with the LTFRB, PDEA, PNP, and local governments for the Undas safety drive.
Executive order
In Cebu City, Mayor Nestor Archival has activated Task Force Undas 2025 to manage operations from October 31 to November 3.
The city will secure 21 cemeteries and regulate traffic, sanitation, and emergency services during the observance.
Under Executive Order No. 019, Series of 2025, a liquor ban and restrictions on weapons and bladed objects will be enforced. Intoxicated individuals will not be allowed inside cemeteries.
Vendors are permitted to sell only outside cemetery gates.Their activities will be monitored by the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) team.
The City Health Department, Department of Public Services, and City Environment and Natural Resources Office will deploy medical and sanitation teams. These will maintain cleanliness and safety in cemetery areas.
Officials said the joint Undas operation reflects the coordination of agencies with a shared goal — protecting travelers and ensuring a peaceful observance.
