MMDA to deploy 1,500 personnel for Undas 2022

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday said it will deploy at least 1,500 personnel to enforce security measures and “orderliness” during this year’s Undas.

MMDA Acting Chairman Carlo Dimayuga III said personnel from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Task Force Special Operations, will be deployed in several areas in Metro Manila from October 28 to November 2.

“The MMDA is all set to undertake measures on traffic management, cleanup operations, road emergency and public assistance, and clearing of road obstructions in preparation for Undas," Dimayuga said in a statement.

Apart from bus terminals, he said that traffic personnel will also be deployed in major roads leading to cemeteries and transportation hubs as thousands are expected to travel to their provinces to pay respect to their loved ones.

The MMDA acting chairman also reiterated that a “no absent, no day off” policy will be enforced among traffic enforcers during Undas.

Meanwhile, Dimayuga said that provincial buses are only allowed to utilize the designated back door exits to avoid traffic gridlock on EDSA.

The MMDA personnel also inspected several bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City on Tuesday.

He said the number coding scheme is also suspended on October 31 and November 1, which are both special non-working holidays.

Public assistance centers with tents and ambulances will also be placed in Metro Manila's five major cemeteries, including Manila North Cemetery, South Cemetery, Loyola Memorial Park, Bagbag Public Cemetery, and San Juan Public Cemetery.

Dimayuga said the Metrobase Command Center and Digital Media Group will monitor traffic situations, address public concerns, and provide real-time traffic updates.

He added that sidewalk and road clearing groups will remove all forms of obstructions on major roads, particularly those leading to cemeteries.

The MMDA personnel earlier conducted the clearing operations at the Tugatog Public Cemetery in Malabon and Sangandaan Cemetery in Caloocan. — Richa Noriega/BM, GMA News