PNP: PH observance of Undas 2024 'generally peaceful'

Filipinos' observance of All Saints' Day or Undas, with millions visiting their dearly departed in cemeteries and reconnecting with relatives in various provinces, has been deemed "generally peaceful" this year by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo reported the overall peace and order assessment, stressing that no significant untoward incidents have been logged over the long weekend.

"Yes po, generally peaceful nationwide," Fajardo said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, adding that, "Masaya po tayong mai-report na naging mapayapa at maayos sa pangkalahatan nationwide ang naging paggunita po ng Undas ngayong taon dahil wala naman po tayong naitala na major incident na maaaring maka-disrupt po sa paggunita ng Undas po."

(We are happy to report that the observance of Undas this year was generally peaceful and orderly nationwide because no major incidents were reported that could potentially disrupt its commemoration.)

Fajardo acknowledged that a fire that broke out in Bagbag Cemetery in Novaliches, Quezon City and that there were some "minor incidents, but all those, overall, di naman nakaapekto sa sitwasyon sa ating bansa."

On Friday morning, a fire broke out at a residential area in the Bagbag Cemetery compound. Residents were seen fleeing the blaze by passing through gaps between apartment tombs.

Despite busy schedule and the inconveniences caused by the recent cyclones in some areas, Filipinos came in droves to cemeteries with up to a million visitors expected Friday at the Manila North Cemetery alone.

Fajardo said police will continue to be deployed at bus terminals, airports, piers, and transport terminals as commuters return from the provinces.

"Mananatili po ang heightened alert ng PNP hanggang hatinggabi bukas (The PNP's heightened alert status will remain in effect until midnight tomorrow)," Fajardo said.

She said the PNP is mindful that families would also like to spend some leisure time in malls and other public places during the long weekend.

"Medyo ni-refocus po natin ang ating deployment ngayon, bagamat may ilan-ilan pa rin pong nagpupunta sa mga sementeryo at piniling di makipagsabayan. Kaya minaintain pa rin po natin yung ating mga police assistance desks sa mga major na sementeryo," Fajardo said.

(We have now refocused our deployment, even though there are still a few who chose to visit cemeteries after the crowds have gone. So, we are maintaining our police assistance desks at major cemeteries.)

She added, "Nagdagdag po tayo ng mga tauhan sa mga major thoroughfares, sa mga terminal, sa pantalan, at mga airport, siyempre doon sa ibang mga pasyalan, sa mga mall, at Linggo po ngayon, siyempre yung ating ang mga places of worship pinuntahan din po natin."

(Policemen have been added at major thoroughfares, terminals, seaports, airports, and, of course, malls and other public places to visit. It's a Sunday, so police are also visible at places of worship.)

Cyclone aftermath

Meanwhile, Fajardo said police deployment continues to assist in military-led relief operations in Bicol Region and other areas affected recent tropical cyclones Kristine and Leon.

She also reported that some members of the PNP organization were not spared by the weather disturbances, with over 3,198 uniformed personnel and 191 non-uniformed personnel were affected, mostly in Bicol Region.

Some police stations were hit by floods, Fajardo said, with about P4 million in total damage.

While only minor damage was assessed, Fajardo said the PNP is prioritizing repairs to the affected police stations. — VDV, GMA Integrated News