Baguio cemetery visits rise 50% as Cordillera reports peaceful Undas

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Cemetery attendance in Baguio City increased by more than 50% during Undas 2026, while police reported no untoward incidents in burial sites across the Cordillera Administrative Region during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) recorded 65,533 visitors at the city’s eight cemeteries from October 31 to November 2, up 50.12% from 43,651 during the same period in 2025, according to its post-operation assessment.

Despite the increase in visitors, the city maintained a generally peaceful and orderly situation throughout the intensified security operations, BCPO said.

A total of 1,589 personnel from BCPO, National Support Units and volunteer groups were deployed to cemeteries, columbaria, memorial parks, transport terminals, tourist destinations and other strategic locations to help maintain public safety.

Police also used drone monitoring to improve situational awareness and monitor crowd movements as part of the city’s technology-driven public safety operations.

During the security inspections, 568 prohibited items were voluntarily deposited at designated inspection areas, an 81.47% increase from the 313 items recorded in 2025.

Two improvised cannons, locally known as boga, were also confiscated inside cemeteries on October 31.

BCPO reported no similar confiscations during the 2025 observance.

On the first day of Undas, BCPO reported no crimes or untoward incidents in cemeteries, columbaria, memorial parks and transport terminals.

Its initial assessment also recorded no violations of imposed restrictions or confiscations during security inspections, although some individuals voluntarily surrendered prohibited items at designated stop-and-frisk areas.

Traffic remained generally manageable, with slight congestion reported near cemeteries as families visited their departed loved ones.

Police personnel continued to manage vehicle movement and assist motorists.

BCPO City Director PCOL Nixon L. Laoyan urged the public to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and cooperate with authorities throughout the observance.

In a separate regional assessment, Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO CAR) Regional Director PBGEN Noel B. Vallo reported a generally peaceful, safe and orderly observance across the region during the police command’s flag-raising ceremony on November 3.

Based on PRO CAR monitoring and assessment, no criminal or other untoward incidents were recorded in cemeteries, columbaria and memorial parks that could have disrupted the observance.

Police also reported no monitored activities or plans by threat groups that could compromise regional security.

PRO CAR, however, reported that police inspections in Baguio City resulted in the confiscation of two improvised noisemakers.

A total of 412 assorted items were also voluntarily surrendered or deposited with police personnel during the regional security operations.

These consisted of 222 cigarette or vape products, 91 bladed or pointed weapons, 79 gardening tools, eight alcoholic drinks, five speakers or sound systems, four chemical containers, one set of playing cards, one cooking material and one flammable substance.

The regional police office said traffic conditions remained generally manageable across the Cordillera, although slight congestion occurred near cemeteries.

Police personnel maintained visible security presence, managed traffic flow and assisted motorists.

Vallo attributed the generally peaceful observance to heightened security preparations, strengthened intelligence-sharing among concerned agencies and coordinated deployment of police personnel and other government agencies across the six Cordillera provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga and Mountain Province, including Baguio City.

He commended PRO CAR operating units, the command group, regional staff, police provincial offices, BCPO, other government agencies, force multipliers, volunteers and partner stakeholders for their contributions to public safety.

“The generally peaceful and orderly observance of Undas 2026 in Baguio City reflects the dedication, professionalism, and collective efforts of our police personnel, partner agencies, volunteer groups, and the cooperation of the public,” Laoyan said, thanking those involved in the security operations.

Vallo likewise said the influx of travelers, tourists and families visiting their departed loved ones did not prevent the region from maintaining a generally peaceful and orderly observance.

“Despite the expected influx of travelers, tourists and families visiting their departed loved ones, the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day remained generally peaceful and orderly throughout the Cordillera Administrative Region,” he said.

The police assessments covered security operations during the annual observance, when authorities deployed personnel to burial sites and other public areas to manage crowds, enforce restrictions and help ensure the safety of visitors.