Tight security, traffic schemes ensure orderly Undas in Caraga

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Thousands flocked to public cemeteries and memorial parks across Caraga starting Oct. 31, as local governments mobilized security forces, medical teams, and maritime enforcers to maintain order during Undas 2026.

In Butuan City, families began arriving early on Sunday at Uraya Memorial Gardens in Barangay Bancasi to light candles and offer prayers for their departed loved ones.

Anticipating heavier crowds through the weekend, city officials implemented an extensive traffic rerouting scheme around major cemetery corridors to prevent gridlock.

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READ: LIVE UPDATES: Undas 2026 | Nov. 1

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In Surigao City, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) launched intensive roving and monitoring operations across cemeteries, transport terminals, and critical transit hubs starting Oct. 31.

Surveillance focused on high-traffic areas, including the Surigao airport, central bus terminal, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) facility, Lipata port, and Gateway Crossing, as well as outlying barangays with communal burial sites.

At sea, the Maritime Industry Authority-Region 13 carried out its “Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2026,” stationing inspection teams at key sea passenger hubs.

Monitoring focused on passenger volume and vessel safety compliance at the ports of Surigao, Lipata, Dapa on Siargao Island, and Butuan, as well as the Surigao City Boulevard, as inter-island holiday traffic peaked.

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On land, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, CDRRMO, and municipal health workers set up joint checkpoints and assistance desks along major intersections to maintain peace and order and provide prompt emergency medical response.

In San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, the local government imposed a curfew on public cemetery visits from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and temporarily suspended burials in all cemeteries from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 as part of its Undas observance.

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Visitors are prohibited from bringing alcohol, sound systems, karaoke setups, or gambling materials. /mcm