700 personnel and a comprehensive operational plan, the City Government of Parañaque is pulling out all the stops to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of Undas 2025 (November 1 and 2) in its four major cemeteries.
The OPLAN UNDAS 2025 initiative, involving the city’s inter-agency task force, addresses every facet of the annual tradition, from security and traffic management to public assistance and cleanliness. The operation will cover the Manila Memorial Park, Loyola Memorial Park, Parañaque Catholic Cemetery, and Himlayang Palanyag.
Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez emphasized the city’s holistic and proactive approach.
“Our commitment is to ensure that every family can pay their respects in a safe, orderly, and solemn environment. More than a security operation, it’s a full-spectrum public service effort encompassing traffic, garbage collection, peace and order, and even ensuring clear sidewalks for pedestrians. We are fully prepared to serve the public,” Olivarez said. “Para sa mapayapa at ligtas na pag-alala sa ating mga yumao.”
Integrated force
The security backbone consists of 392 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, bolstered by 100 officers from the Traffic and Parking Management Office (TPMO), 150 from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and 29 from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
Personnel from all 16 barangays will also act as force multipliers, providing additional eyes on the ground and assistance to visitors.
To maintain the solemnity and safety of the cemeteries, a strict ban on several items is in place. Prohibited items include: Firearms and bladed weapons; Alcoholic beverages; Loud sound systems; Prohibited drugs; Flammable items; Gambling paraphernalia; and Pets.
Pets are allowed only at the Loyola Memorial Park, which will enforce its own specific pet guidelines to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.
All pets must be kept on a leash and under owner supervision at all times. Owners are required to clean up after their pets, are strongly encouraged to use pet diapers, and assume full responsibility for their pet’s actions, including covering all medical expenses for any accidents, as mandated by Section 5E and F of Republic Act 9482. Acts of pet aggression or excessive noise will not be tolerated, and security may escort non-compliant owners and their pets from the premises.
Cemetery visit schedules and traffic management
The city has released the following visiting schedules to manage the flow of people:
Himlayang Palanyag: Open 24 hours from October 30 to November 2.
Manila Memorial Park: Oct. 29 & 30 – 6 AM to 6 PM; Oct. 31 – 6 AM onwards; Nov. 1 & 2 – 24 hours; Nov. 3 – until 6 PM.
Loyola Memorial Park: Open 24 hours from October 31 to November 2.
Parañaque Catholic Cemetery: Oct. 30 & 31 – 6 AM to 6 PM; Nov. 1 – 6 AM to 12 Midnight; Nov. 2 – 6 AM to 6 PM.
Anticipating heavy vehicular traffic, the TPMO has already finalized a rerouting plan for roads surrounding Manila Memorial Park and Himlayang Palanyag.
Public advisory and services
The public is advised that burial operations at Himlayang Palanyag will be temporarily suspended from October 28 to November 3, with October 29 being the final day for cleaning and repainting niches.
Help desks will be established in all cemeteries to provide information, assistance, and support to the thousands of expected visitors. The city government encourages the public to cooperate with authorities and plan their visits accordingly to ensure a meaningful, hassle-free commemoration.
Security check. Parañaque City police officials led by Col. Nicolas S. Piñon check on deployed personnel on October 29, to ensure public safety and security in cemeteries for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day 2025. Piñon reminded them to be vigilant and always be on alert to ensure the safety and security of the public and all visitors within the four cemeteries in the city. PNP-Parañaque photos
