Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced the establishment of 5,293 police assistance desks (PADs) and the deployment of 25,349 police personnel across public cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria nationwide.

According to Philippines News Agency, during a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP information chief and spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o stated that in addition to the police officers, 8,265 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection will join efforts to secure the annual observance of All Saints' Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls' Day (Nov. 2). A total of 22,399 force multipliers will also participate, bringing the total number of deployed personnel to 56,013.

Brig. Gen. Tua±o noted that a full alert status, the highest level of readiness, will be activated one day before the observance of Undas. This status prohibits police personnel from taking leave and ensures maximum readiness.

The deployment aims to bolster preventive patrol operations and support anti-criminality and anti-drug campaigns. The PADs will assist commuters and deter criminal activities in crowded areas. Police assistance centers will be set up both inside and outside cemeteries and memorial parks to maintain peace and order, with reminders for the public to adhere to minimum public health standards.

PNP will also maintain heightened alertness at transport terminals, airports, and piers as commuters travel back from the provinces for Undas. Items prohibited inside cemeteries during the commemoration include firearms, sharp objects, intoxicating beverages, loud sound systems, speakers, and flammable items. Pets such as dogs and cats are also not permitted inside cemetery grounds.