Philippine authorities are intensifying safety and convenience measures for the expected surge in travel ahead of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day observance, known as “Undas.” The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has placed all airports under its supervision on heightened alert from 30 October to 4 November.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said in a radio interview Tuesday that additional personnel have been deployed, especially to airports expecting heavy passenger traffic. CAAP projects at least 5.8 million passengers this year, a 7 to 10 percent increase from the 4.8 million recorded during the same period in 2024. Apolonio advised air travelers to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled flights due to the increased volume.

CAAP is coordinating with airport operators, including those of the Ninoy Aquino, Mactan-Cebu, Caticlan and Clark international airports, as well as the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Unit, the Office of Transportation Security and other government agencies to streamline passenger processing. Malasakit Help Desks, security personnel and medical teams will be on standby at all airports to provide assistance.

In Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that the number coding scheme will be suspended on 31 October, the eve of All Saints’ Day, which is a non-working holiday.

The suspension for the Expanded Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program is automatic for any official non-working holiday, the MMDA stated, reminding motorists to plan their routes to avoid delays.

Meanwhile, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has directed all local government units, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to ensure a peaceful and orderly commemoration from 31 October to 2 November.

The DILG urged local chief executives to assess risks, mobilize law enforcers and medical teams, and coordinate closely with traffic management offices.

In the southern part of Metro Manila, the Southern Police District has deployed 968 police personnel across its seven jurisdictions, which include Makati, Taguig, Pasay, Muntinlupa, Las Piñas and Pateros.