With thousands of travelers expected to return home for the annual Undas observance, the Police Regional Office MIMAROPA has placed the entire region under full alert, deploying more than 2,000 police officers across key areas to ensure peace and security during the long weekend.

In an interview on 29 October 2025, Police Brigadier General Jovencio S. Badua Jr., acting regional director of PRO-IVB MIMAROPA, said security coverage includes vital installations, ports, transport terminals, highways, and cemeteries, as well as residential areas left temporarily unattended by families visiting their departed loved ones.

“Kailangan lang mabantayan ang mga vital installations, terminals, ports, at magkaroon ng visibility sa mga sementeryo — kasama na rin ang mga lugar na iiwan ng ating mga kababayan na dadalaw sa puntod ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Badua told Daily Tribune. (“We just need to monitor vital installations, terminals, and ports, and maintain visibility in cemeteries — including residential areas left unattended as our countrymen visit their loved ones’ graves.”)

Badua said the regional command has mobilized force multipliers and partner agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), to reinforce security and ensure smooth traffic flow. The DPWH, he noted, will provide technical support and assist in maintaining road safety, particularly in areas prone to congestion or vehicular breakdowns.

“I-mobilize natin ang ating force multipliers — hindi lang sa DPATs kundi pati sa AFP, PCG, at DPWH. Importante rin iyon dahil baka may masiraan at magdulot ng trapiko,” he said. (“We will mobilize our force multipliers — not only from DPATs but also from the AFP, PCG, and DPWH. That’s important since vehicle breakdowns could cause traffic.”)

Police presence will be heightened in cemeteries and major roads, while emergency teams are on standby to respond to medical cases, heat exhaustion, or ground collapse incidents in crowded areas. Badua assured that the regional office is fully prepared for any eventuality.

He added that narcotics detection dogs will be stationed at ports and terminals to prevent the transport of illegal substances, while the Mobile Force Battalions remain on standby for deployment in upland and remote areas of Mindoro, where remnants of insurgent groups still operate.

Despite the extensive preparations, Badua said MIMAROPA remains generally peaceful based on past Undas observances.

“Ang babantayan lang namin ay ang pagpasok ng mga deadly weapon at ang mga lasing na madalas nagiging sanhi ng kaguluhan. Wala namang major threat na nakita, at base sa mga ulat ng mga unit commanders, mapayapa naman ang Undas sa mga nakaraang taon,” he said. (“We will mainly monitor for deadly weapons and drunk individuals who often cause trouble. No major threat has been identified, and based on unit commanders’ reports, Undas has been peaceful in previous years.”)

Badua urged the public to stay alert, cooperate with authorities, and follow safety reminders while traveling and visiting cemeteries.