By Engr. Jay B. Laurino Under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Romulo A. Albacea, Quezon police personnel strengthen Undas sec...
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| Under the leadership of Provincial Director PCOL Romulo A. Albacea, Quezon police personnel strengthen Undas security through public safety advisories and emergency assistance services. (QPPO) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon — Cemeteries and major travel routes are under heightened police watch as 1,700 officers secure Quezon Province during Undas 2026. With an estimated 147,500 cemetery visitors expected, provincial hospitals remain on red alert while a liquor ban is enforced at burial grounds throughout the November 1 and 2 observance.
The Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) is monitoring 123 cemeteries, eight columbaria, 119 churches and 51 tourist destinations throughout the province. The QPPO held a personnel send-off at Camp BGen Guillermo P. Nakar on October 30, while Provincial Director Police Colonel Romulo A. Albacea personally inspected cemetery deployments in Lucena City the following day.
Police personnel are stationed at strategic locations, including national highways, where motorist assistance centers and checkpoints support traffic management and emergency response. Albacea emphasized coordination with local authorities and partner agencies to maintain police visibility and assist residents throughout the observance.
“We are strengthening police visibility at cemeteries, transportation terminals, and major highways to protect families and respond immediately to emergencies during Undas. Our personnel will work closely with local authorities and emergency responders to maintain public order and provide assistance throughout the observance,” Albacea said.
Meanwhile, Governor Angelina "Helen" Tan confirmed during her October 31 livestream that provincial hospitals had been placed on red alert, with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) coordinating with municipal and barangay responders. She said personnel at the provincial government's Lucena satellite office remained on call to assist stranded travelers, particularly those using Dalahican, Dinahican and Real ports.
Tan also warned motorists about damaged road sections in Atimonan, Gumaca, Lopez, Calauag and along Quirino Highway, where holiday traffic could heighten accident risks. She urged drivers unfamiliar with these routes to reduce their speed, remain patient during congestion and take breaks during long-distance journeys.
“Kung hindi po kayo sanay sa daan, huwag pong mabilis kung first time, especially going Bicol, Visayas, huwag pong masyadong mabilis ang takbo ng inyong sasakyan. Pag inaantok, na-burn out na kayo for long drive, marami pong magagandang scenery, baba po kayo, pahinga,” Tan said.
The provincial police chief also appealed for public cooperation, stressing that maintaining safety during Undas requires shared responsibility between authorities and residents. He reminded cemetery visitors to observe security restrictions and motorists to follow traffic regulations to prevent congestion and unnecessary accidents.
“We encourage everyone visiting cemeteries to follow security regulations, avoid bringing prohibited items, and cooperate with police personnel assigned to maintain order. Motorists must also observe traffic rules and designated routes to prevent congestion, avoid accidents, and ensure the safety of all travelers,” Albacea said.
The Provincial Government of Quezon is also enforcing Executive Order No. DHT-30, Series of 2026, signed by Acting Provincial Governor Anacleto A. Alcala III on October 29. The directive prohibits bringing, consuming, distributing and selling alcoholic beverages within public and private cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria from midnight on October 30 until 11:59 p.m. on November 2.
Tan clarified that the restriction covers burial facilities throughout Quezon, including Lucena City and Tayabas City, with local authorities responsible for monitoring compliance. She appealed to residents to observe the directive and preserve peace and order as families gather to remember their departed loved ones.
“So naka-liquor ban po tayo sa lahat ng public and private cemetery until Monday, so please follow accordingly para sa kapayapaan at katahimikan po ng ating lalawigan. Sana po ay wala tayong mabalitaan na nag-violate po ng executive order natin,” Tan said.
At the Port of Lucena, the Philippine Ports Authority has reactivated its Online Reservation Assistance System and prepared upgraded passenger facilities to accommodate increased maritime travel. The Maritime Industry Authority continues vessel safety monitoring, while the Philippine Coast Guard maintains heightened operational readiness during the holiday period.
The Bureau of Fire Protection is also implementing Oplan Kaluluwa 2026, with fire stations nationwide on full alert from October 30 through November 3. Fire prevention and emergency response operations remain focused on cemeteries and other crowded locations where increased public activity presents additional safety concerns.
Albacea reminded residents to secure their homes before visiting cemeteries, assuring them that police patrols would continue in residential communities throughout the observance. He also urged the public to immediately dial the Unified 911 emergency hotline whenever accidents, suspicious activities or other incidents require police assistance.
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