UNDAS 2026 IN CENTRAL LUZON PEACEFUL, NO MAJOR INCIDENTS REPORTED — PRO3

BY KEVIN GALANG

CAMP OLIVAS, City of San Fernando, Pampanga  — The Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) recorded zero major incidents during the observance of Undas 2026 in Central Luzon.

This marked a generally peaceful and orderly commemoration of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as thousands of Filipinos visited cemeteries and memorial parks across the region.

PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez attributed the peaceful observance to the heightened security measures, sustained police visibility, and cooperation of local government units, partner agencies, force multipliers, and the public.

A total of 13,497 police personnel, augmentation forces, advocacy groups, and force multipliers were deployed to secure 688 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria throughout Central Luzon.

Police Assistance Desks were established in strategic locations while personnel were stationed along major roads, transport terminals, and expressways to provide assistance to motorists and travelers.

Mendez said that in line with the JBM Patrol System,  they  also mobilized thousands of force multipliers to strengthen security and community-based public safety operations.

Of those deployed, 2,387 provided traffic assistance, 2,721 manned cemetery Police Assistance Desks, 230 were assigned to transportation hubs, 126 to tourist destinations, and 4,343 conducted visibility patrols.

Members of the PRO3 Command Group and Regional Staff also conducted red-teaming activities to assess field conditions, check personnel readiness and deployment, and identify operational gaps requiring immediate action.

According to Mendez, the zero-major-incident outcome demonstrated the readiness of police units and the effectiveness of coordinated security operations.

“Maintaining peace and order during an occasion as widely observed as Undas requires everyone to do their part. Our personnel remained visible and ready to assist, while the public responded positively to our safety reminders and security measures,” Mendez said.

He, however, cautioned police commanders against becoming complacent following the peaceful observance, stressing that the same level of readiness and discipline must be maintained in their daily operations.

“Our responsibility does not end when the crowds leave the cemeteries or traffic returns to normal. The same level of readiness, discipline, and responsiveness must be carried into our daily police work,” he added.

The official said that close coordination with LGUs and other concerned agencies will be maintained throughout the observance of Undas to manage traffic, assist travelers, and promptly address public safety concerns.

He said security deployment and police assistance operations will continue until November 3 to cover the expected influx of returning travelers and ensure their safe movement across Central Luzon.