ILOILO City – Candles lit to honor the dead could turn into deadly fire traps for the living, particularly when left burning in unattended homes, as thousands of Ilonggos prepare to flock to cemeteries for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Iloilo sounded the alarm over the dangers posed by unattended candles, flammable materials and other household fire hazards, prompting the agency to place all fire stations under Code Red alert beginning October 30.
Compounding the safety concerns, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) warned that homes left unoccupied during the annual observance could also become easy targets for burglars, while crowded cemeteries provide opportunities for thieves and pickpockets.
Under the nationwide Oplan Kaluluwa 2026, BFP-Iloilo, headed by acting Provincial Fire Marshal Fire Senior Superintendent Melanie G. Habawel, placed its personnel on Code Blue alert from October 28 to 29 before escalating to Code Red from October 30 to November 3.
The heightened readiness is intended to ensure immediate response to fires and other emergencies during the peak of the Undas observance.
Candles pose hidden danger
Fire authorities warned that the Filipino tradition of lighting candles on household altars, in yards and at gravesites could become dangerous when basic fire precautions are ignored.
Candles left burning inside houses while families visit cemeteries are particularly hazardous because flames could ignite nearby combustible materials without anyone present to extinguish them.
The BFP urged residents to extinguish candles before leaving home, unplug unnecessary electrical appliances, avoid overloading electrical outlets and ensure cooking equipment is switched off.
At cemeteries, visitors were reminded to keep candles away from dry vegetation, flammable decorations and crowded areas.
Smokers were likewise advised to dispose of cigarette butts properly to prevent accidental fires.
The BFP also stressed the importance of keeping cemetery entrances, exits, roads and pathways unobstructed to allow fire trucks, ambulances and emergency responders to move freely during emergencies.
Parents were urged to supervise children closely, observe crowd safety measures and identify emergency exits and designated safety areas.
“The BFP Iloilo remains committed to proactive fire prevention, operational readiness, and coordinated emergency response to ensure a safe, peaceful, and fire-free observance of Undas 2026,” the agency said in its advisory.
Throughout the alert period, fire stations across Iloilo will intensify safety monitoring and coordinate with local government units, police and other emergency response agencies, particularly in cemeteries expecting large crowds.
“As we honor and remember our departed loved ones, let us remain vigilant and make fire safety a shared responsibility,” the BFP reminded the public.
Empty homes attract burglars
Beyond the threat of fires, police warned that leaving homes unattended during cemetery visits could expose households to another danger — burglary.
ICPO director Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla cautioned residents against publicly announcing their travel schedules and whereabouts on social media, saying criminals could exploit such information to identify unoccupied houses.
“They do not have to post on Facebook where they are going, where they will be, or what time and date they will be leaving,” Parilla said.
“We have received reports of houses being broken into, especially when criminals know that no one has been left at home. There is a high possibility that these houses could be targeted,” he added.
Police advised residents to secure doors and windows, safeguard valuables and ask trusted neighbors to monitor their properties while they are away.
Meanwhile, the ICPO will deploy 479 personnel from Saturday through Monday to secure cemeteries and other public gathering places across Iloilo City.
Parilla said theft and pickpocketing remain among the most common crimes monitored during Undas, particularly in congested cemeteries where criminals can take advantage of distracted visitors.
“Pickpocketing is usually one of the most common incidents. With so many people around, thieves can easily find an opportunity. There are also cases where someone leaves their cellphone unattended even for a short while, and when they turn around, it is already gone,” he said.
Police advised cemetery visitors to avoid wearing expensive jewelry, bringing unnecessary valuables or leaving mobile phones and other belongings unattended.
Intelligence personnel and screening teams will also be stationed at cemetery entrances to prevent prohibited items from being brought inside.
Parilla assured the public that security deployment would be uniform across cemeteries, including those where prominent personalities are buried.
“The deployment will be the same for everyone, with no additional personnel assigned to specific cemeteries. However, if personalities are expected to visit and coordinate with us beforehand, we will provide assistance,” he said./PN
