Malacañang orders tighter security for Undas 2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered law enforcement units to deploy more personnel, K-9 units, sufficient vehicles, and provide immediate assistance to stranded passengers this coming Undas 2026.

Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said government agencies are also ordered by the President to ensure the safe, orderly, and comfortable travel of millions of Filipinos returning to their respective provinces this Undas.

Recto directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other relevant agencies to prepare their personnel, vehicles, and services for the expected influx of passengers at ports, airports, and terminals across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

President Marcos specifically emphasized the importance of high police visibility, including the deployment of police and K-9 units at major transport terminals, ports and other areas frequented by travelers.

Accordingly, Recto is also mobilizing the Philippine National Police to intensify patrols, security inspections and other measures against criminality and security threats.

Recto also suggested that the relevant agencies study the implementation of random drug testing of public transport drivers, in accordance with existing laws and regulations, to help prevent accidents and ensure the safety of passengers.

“What the President wants is for every trip to be safe and for there to be immediate assistance when needed. It is not enough to have many vehicles. We must also ensure that passengers are safe on the roads, at the ports and at the terminals,” Recto said.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, 1.5 million to two million passengers are expected to travel by sea this Undas. The agency's Oplan Biyaheng Ayos covers October 29 to November 3.

Recto directed the DOTr to ensure that there is sufficient public transportation and to prepare additional vehicles in case the regular trips cannot handle the number of passengers.

This includes ships that can be used to ferry passengers stranded at ports.

The DOTr will also coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to ensure the availability of sufficient buses, especially on routes expected to be heavily traveled by travelers.

Meanwhile, the DSWD was directed to prepare food, water, and other immediate assistance for passengers who may be stranded due to bad weather, lack of vehicles, or other malfunctions.

The Department of Health is assisting in the preparation of medical teams and emergency assistance, while the DILG will coordinate with local governments and the PNP to maintain order and security.