General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has ordered chiefs of police and unit commanders to start the mobilization for the All Saints and All Souls Days which also comes with a long weekend.

Azurin said his order is to secure private and public cemeteries, churches, and other places of convergence, including tourist spots and transportation hubs, seaports, airports, and bus terminals.

"The entire Philippine National Police will go on full alert status to ensure the availability of police personnel and resources for public safety and security operations for this forthcoming four-day holiday," said Azurin.

"The general guidance by the National Headquarters is for all Police Regional Offices and Units to maintain presence and vigilance in securing the motorists and commuters who are expected to travel to the provinces to be with their loved ones," he added.

Authorities expect an exodus of people from Metro Manila and other urban areas to the provinces as early as Friday night to observe Undas. The All Saints' Day on November 1, a non-working holiday, falls on Tuesday, but President Marcos declared Oct. 31, Monday, as a holiday.

The National Capital Region Police Office said it would deploy more than 21,000 police officers in various places in Metro Manila, including the entry and exit points of major thoroughfares of Metro Manila. 

Azurin, however, said that the PNP preparations should come with preventive measures from the public.

"We are reminding the public to take necessary precautions when leaving their residences unattended during the long weekend holiday," said Azurin.

"Travelling homeowners are encouraged to coordinate with their barangay or neighborhood authorities for special security arrangements," he added.

Azurin said he also instructed his men to ensure the observance of the minimum health safety protocols during Undas.