Bayanihan sa 'Undas': Volunteers join forces in Luzon

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga -- As Central Luzon prepares for the annual All Saints' Day exodus, the spirit of bayanihan is in full swing. Over 7,600 community volunteers are joining forces with police and military personnel to ensure a safe and orderly All Saints' Day, according to the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3).

Dubbed “Ligtas Undas 2025,” the region-wide safety operation showcases a strong tripartite collaboration: 3,000 police officers, 1,000 AFP-BFP-PCG personnel, and 7,600 barangay tanods, radio groups, and civic volunteers. They will manage traffic at choke points like NLEX exits and deter theft at crowded cemeteries.

“This isn’t just a police operation—it’s a community effort. Our volunteers know the terrain and can alert us to risks in real time,” said PRO3 Director PBGEN Ponce Peñones Jr., citing last year’s 40% drop in roadside accidents due to similar partnerships.

Barangay police officers will patrol rural cemeteries in Nueva Ecija and Zambales, areas where police presence is limited. Radio groups will monitor traffic flow along MacArthur Highway and the Tarlac–Pangasinan Road. Civic volunteers will deploy at 139 motorist aid centers to assist stranded commuters.

Marlon Cruz, a barangay officer leader from Angeles City, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Kami ang mata at tenga ng pulisya sa liblib na sementeryo. Mas madaling magtulungan kesa magreklamo.” (We act as the eyes and ears of police in remote cemeteries. Cooperation beats complaints.)

The operation runs from 29 October to 5 November, with aid stations stocked with first-aid kits, water, and emergency vehicle repair tools.