Baguio records peaceful Undas as cemetery visitors surge 50%

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) reported a generally peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day, with cemetery visitors increasing by more than 50 percent compared with last year.

Police recorded 65,533 visitors across the city's eight cemeteries from 31 October to 2 November 2026, up 50.12 percent from 43,651 during the same observance in 2025.

Despite the surge in visitors, the BCPO reported no untoward incidents during its intensified security operations.

A total of 1,589 police personnel, national support unit members and volunteers were deployed to cemeteries, columbaria, memorial parks, transportation terminals, tourist destinations and other strategic locations.

Authorities also used drones to monitor crowds and improve situational awareness as part of the BCPO's technology-driven public safety initiatives.

Meanwhile, police recorded 568 prohibited items voluntarily surrendered at designated security inspection areas, an 81.47 percent increase from the 313 recorded in 2025.

Two boga, or improvised noisemaking devices, were also confiscated inside cemeteries on 31 October. No similar confiscations were recorded during last year's observance.

The BCPO said the security measures helped prevent prohibited items from entering cemetery premises and maintain public order throughout the three-day observance.

BCPO chief Nixon Laoyan attributed the peaceful observance to the coordination among police personnel, partner agencies, volunteer groups and the public.

He said the outcome reflected the police force's commitment to maintaining public safety and delivering responsive services to the community.