By Benjamin Cuaresma
Manila North Cemetery is stepping up security and crowd-management preparations ahead of the expected influx of visitors for Undas 2026, with vehicle restrictions, surveillance cameras and police deployment among the measures aimed at maintaining public safety during the annual observance.
Cemetery authorities are preparing for increased visitor activity as families visit the graves of departed loved ones for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Grave cleaning, repairs and repainting were scheduled to conclude on October 27, while October 28 marks the final day for burials before the Undas period.
From October 29 to November 2, the cemetery will operate from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m., with vehicles prohibited inside the premises to help manage pedestrian movement.
Security measures include the deployment of cemetery personnel and Manila Police District officers, supported by 125 closed-circuit television cameras. Firefighters and traffic personnel are also expected to assist with emergency response and traffic management.
Authorities have prohibited firearms, sharp objects, alcoholic beverages, pets, loud sound systems and flammable materials inside the cemetery. Visitors are urged to observe cemetery regulations and cooperate with security personnel.
Assistance services, including information desks, grave-location assistance and wristbands for children, are also part of the preparations to help families navigate the cemetery and reduce the risk of children becoming separated from their companions.
The anticipated crowd requires sustained monitoring, orderly entry and exit procedures, and readiness to respond to medical emergencies and other incidents.
Regular cemetery operations are expected to resume on November 3.
Authorities are urging visitors to plan their trips, follow security instructions and remain vigilant throughout the Undas observance.
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