Over 1,000 suspects nabbed during Undas 2025 - PNP

Over 1,000 persons were arrested for various crimes in various operations as the country observed the Undas season, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday. 

From October 31 to November 2, the PNP said it conducted a total of 1,391 operations nationwide which led to the arrest of 1,163 individuals. Among those arrested are 517 persons wanted for various criminal cases. 

The PNP also said that it has conducted anti-illegal drug operations throughout the long weekend. 

“Anti-illegal drug operations accounted for 307 cases, while anti-illegal gambling operations numbered 223, and campaigns against loose firearms totaled 199. Confiscated illegal drugs reached 151,066.11 grams,” the PNP added. 

Further, of the 92,894 law enforcers deployed to provide security in this year’s Undas, 32,317 of them are from the PNP. Meanwhile, 18,838 others are from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard; and 41,739 are force multipliers like barangay tanods, radio groups, and non-government organizations. 

“We remain committed to the directives of President Marcos Jr. to protect every Filipino during this solemn period. Our personnel, in partnership with AFP, BFP, PCG, and community volunteers, continue to ensure a safe environment for all,” said PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. 

Authorities confiscated 478 bladed weapons, 65 alcoholic drinks, 52 packs of playing cards, and various other items totaling 11,653. 

Authorities also responded to direct assaults, vehicular accidents, fire incidents, and illegal possession of firearms, ensuring prompt action in each case, the PNP added. 

The PNP noted that the observance of this year’s Undas was generally peaceful. 

“Overall, the observance of Undas 2025 was generally peaceful and orderly across the country. Wala tayong naitalang major untoward incidents na may kinalaman sa paggunita ng Undas,” Nartatez said in a separate statement. 

(Overall, the observance of Undas 2025 was generally peaceful and orderly across the country. We did not record any major untoward incidents related to the commemoration of Undas.) 

The PNP chief also said initial assessments showed a significant reduction in public safety concerns and crime incidents, particularly for common offenses like petty theft and physical injury, compared to 2024 figures.

“Kinokolekta lang ang mga datos pero based sa initial tally, mas mababa ang bilang ng mga krimen ngayong taon. Ibig sabihin, mas naging epektibo ang ating koordinasyon at mas disiplinado rin ang ating mga mamamayan,” Nartatez added. 

(The data is still being collected, but based on the initial tally, the number of crimes this year is lower. This means that our coordination has become more effective and our citizens have also become more disciplined.) 

Red Cross 

Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross provided assistance to visitors in cemeteries as well as other public places. 

As of 10 a.m., the group responded to various cases such as injuries, bruises, difficulty of breathing, fainting, heat exhaustion, punctures, sprains, and dog bites. 

The PRC has deployed personnel to cemeteries, in an airport, gas stations, malls, highways, seaports, bus terminals, barangay halls, and in a train station. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF/JMA, GMA Integrated News