PNP: Undas 2023 generally peaceful; 3M visited cemeteries

The observance of All Saints’ Day or Undas was generally peaceful on Wednesday despite some people still bringing prohibited items to the cemeteries, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Thursday.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the common confiscated items were lighters, cigarettes, and liquors.

“Kahapon po naging generally peaceful iyong observance natin ng Undas maliban doon sa mga nakumpiska po na mga pinagbabawal po na mga items na papasok po sa mga sementeryo,” she said.

(Yesterday, the observance of Undas was generally peaceful despite the confiscation of some prohibited items from those who wanted to enter the cemeteries.)

Fajardo said around 3 million people visited the tombs of their departed loved ones on All Saints’ Day and many are expected to flock to cemeteries on Thursday, All Souls’ Day.

“Kahapon ay talagang dinagsa po iyong ating mga sementeryo. Close to 3 million or more iyong mga na-monitor po natin na naglabas pasok po sa mga sementeryo,” she said.

(Yesterday, we monitored close to 3 million or more people who trooped to cemeteries.)

PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. earlier said the police organization has not received any threats for the observance of Undas but will continue to monitor possible dangers.

More than 37,000 police personnel have been deployed across the country.

The PNP warned the public against common crimes during the observance of Undas like theft, salisi, and physical injury.—AOL, GMA Integrated News