BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City Government and the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) have intensified preparations to ensure public safety, maintain peace and order, and manage traffic during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Mayor Greg Gasataya led the city government’s final inter-agency meeting on October 26, bringing together concerned government agencies, public and private cemetery administrators, and barangay officials to finalize security measures, traffic arrangements, and emergency response plans.
Gasataya said preparations covered both public and private cemeteries to ensure the orderly movement of visitors and the safety of families paying tribute to their departed loved ones.
The city government has set cemetery visiting hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October 30 to November 2.
Alcoholic beverages and gambling are prohibited within cemetery premises. The public is also advised to follow traffic rerouting schemes, observe road closures, comply with cemetery regulations, and cooperate with authorities and security personnel.
Residents needing assistance may call the emergency hotline at 911 or the Bacolod City Government at (034) 479-6100.
Meanwhile, PRO-NIR will deploy 3,119 personnel from October 30 to November 3 to strengthen security and prevent criminal activities across the Negros Island Region.
The deployment will comprise 1,773 police personnel, 340 personnel from other units, and 1,006 force multipliers.
Police personnel will be stationed at cemeteries, columbaria, places of worship, major roads, transportation hubs, and tourist destinations where increased public activity is expected.
PRO-NIR will also be placed under full alert status to ensure operational readiness and the immediate availability of personnel when needed.
Security measures include checkpoints in strategic locations, regular mobile patrols, and Police Assistance Desks at designated cemeteries and columbaria to assist visitors and address their concerns.
The police will coordinate with local government units, partner law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and force multipliers to strengthen police visibility, facilitate traffic management, and ensure prompt responses to emergencies.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Rudecindo L. Reales said crime prevention and public safety remain the police force’s primary priorities during the Undas observance.
He directed police personnel to remain alert, disciplined, and ready to respond to public needs while protecting lives and property.
Reales also urged the public to secure their belongings, remain vigilant, and immediately report suspicious activities to authorities.
Authorities emphasized that public cooperation and compliance with cemetery regulations, traffic advisories, and security measures are essential to ensuring a safe, peaceful, and orderly Undas 2026./PN
