UNDAS 2025: Over 10,000 visit Manila North Cemetery ahead of Nov. 1

More than 10,000 people visited the Manila North Cemetery on Thursday ahead of the expected huge crowds on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Days this weekend.

“Para di rin magsabay-sabay ang ano, para humaba ng kaunti yung oras nila,” said cemetery administrator Daniel Tan in Darlene Cay’s report on “State of the Nation.” 

(So they will not join the crowd and they can spend a little more time here.)

Even though there were relatively fewer visitors to the cemetery, some still lost their way and had a little trouble finding the graves of their departed ones. 

“Nakakalito din. Yung mga palatandaan namin hindi namin alam kung saan na,” said Yolanda Mingote. 

(It’s a bit confusing. We don’t know where our old markers are anymore.) 

After hours of looking around, Yolanda found that the grave of her loved one was covered by a roof built by the caretaker. 

“Okay lang po. Nagpapasalamat nga po kami dahil nandiyan sila, nagbabantay,” she said. 

(It’s okay. We are thankful that they are there, watching over the grave.)

The cemetery management said they are expecting more than two million visitors for this year’s Undas observance.

Despite constant reminders, authorities still end up confiscating prohibited items brought by visitors, such as cigarettes, paint, and a cutter.

The Philippine National Police also advised visitors to keep a close eye on their personal belongings. Visitors were reminded not to bring large amounts of money and not to stuff their gadgets in their back pockets.

The PNP is on heightened alert for Undas 2025 with over 50,000 policemen to be deployed nationwide to maintain peace and order.

“Titignan din po natin kung kailangan magdagdag ng additional na kapulisan dito,” said National Capital Region Police Office director Police Major Gen. Anthony Aberin. 

(We will also check if we need to add police personnel here.) 

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso also inspected the cemetery. 

“Kayong mga tulisan, huwag niyo na balakin. Kasi baka mamaya magkaroon ng untoward incident, eh di susunod na Nov. 1 kayo naman dadalawin ng pamilya ninyo,” the mayor warned. 

(You thugs, don’t even think about it. Because later on, if an untoward incident happens, then next Nov. 1, your family will be the ones visiting you.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA Integrated News