Bukidnon deploys 1,100 personnel as crowds flock to cemeteries

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — At least 1,100 security personnel were deployed across Bukidnon on Sunday, Nov. 1, to enforce safety guidelines and El Niño fire prevention measures as crowds flocked to cemeteries for Undas 2026.

Personnel from the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO), Traffic Management Center, and Barangay Police Auxiliary Teams maintained a round-the-clock presence at memorial parks, churches, transit terminals, and major thoroughfares.

In Valencia City, cemetery-goers began arriving as early as 6 a.m., carrying flowers, candles, and food to pay their respects to departed loved ones and avoid the midday heat, heavy crowds, and expected traffic gridlock.

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READ: LIVE UPDATES: Undas 2026 | Nov. 1

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June Ray Valero, Valencia City DRRMO chief, told the Inquirer on Sunday morning that local authorities had fully activated their Incident Command Post and directed 21 of the city’s 31 barangays with burial grounds to place fire extinguishers or water-filled drums on standby near cemetery gates as part of El Niño disaster mitigation measures.

Joint Incident Management Teams led by the Philippine National Police and local force multipliers continued to enforce security guidelines at all entry points.

Banned items and activities inside cemeteries include overnight stays, alcoholic beverages, gambling, loud sound systems, and weapons of any kind.

Outside the burial grounds, Land Transportation Office inspectors had monitored the Valencia Central Bus Terminal since Oct. 27 to manage passenger surges and check the roadworthiness of vehicles carrying arriving travelers.

Disaster response officials urged residents to shut off main power breakers and lock utility meters before leaving their homes unattended to prevent electrical fires. They also reminded cemetery visitors to bring water and limit direct sun exposure amid forecasts of high heat index values. /mcm