DILG warns public vs criminals, scammers ahead of Undas 2024

The public should be vigilant against criminals and scammers at cemeteries during the observation of Undas or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day this weekend, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday.

“As we commemorate and pray for the souls of our departed loved ones, the DILG urges the public to practice vigilance against criminals and scammers who take advantage of big crowds in cemeteries,” DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a statement.

“We also appeal for the public’s cooperation in observing proper protocols in cemeteries against consumption of alcoholic beverages, gambling, and instigating all forms of disturbances,” he added.

Remulla called on local government units (LGUs) to convene their respective Local Peace and Order Council for safety and security preparations in cemeteries, memorial parks, and churches.

They are also expected to deploy traffic enforcers, barangay tanods, Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), medical personnel, and other force multipliers within the vicinity of concerned areas.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to deploy over 27,000 police officers across the country to boost police visibility and provide assistance and security, according to Remula.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will provide necessary assistance to their respective LGUs, he added.

“Sa mahalagang panahon na ito ng paggunita sa ating mga namayapang mahal sa buhay, maging maingat at mapagbantay. Ang DILG po ay kasangga ninyo tungo sa mapayapa at maayos na paggunita ng UNDAS 2024,” Remulla said.

(During this important time of commemorating our departed loved ones, be careful and vigilant. The DILG is your support towards the peaceful and orderly commemoration of UNDAS 2024.)

The Parañaque, San Juan, and Pasay local government units (LGU) recently released advisories on the visiting hours at their cemeteries. They also reminded the public of some prohibitions and protocols.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) earlier said it is ready for the influx of passengers for the observance of Undas.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the agency and its attached offices made all the necessary preparations in anticipation of the increased volume of travelers at airports, seaports, and bus terminals.

“Ang Department of Transportation together with the other attached agencies – ang CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines), and PPA (Philippine Ports Authority), MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority), and Cebu International Airport – we are getting ready for the Undas Biyahe,” Bautista said during the briefing.

“Every year we have this Oplan Biyaheng Ayos para sa ating mga mananakay. So, ready tayo. Katulong din natin diyan ang Philippine Coast Guard,” he added.

[Every year we have this Oplan Biyaheng Ayos for our commuters. So we are ready. The Philippine Coast Guard is also assisting us.]

— Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News