Bicol disaster council on blue alert for ‘Undas 2025’

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 5 (Bicol) has placed its Emergency Operation Center under “blue alert” status to ensure readiness in case of emergencies during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.

In a memorandum, RDRRMC-5 chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD-5) Director Claudio Yucot said the alert will be in effect from Tuesday until Nov. 3, in observance of Undas.

He emphasized that all regional line agencies and local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management councils should maintain their response operations throughout the period.

“Conduct regular situation monitoring and submit the standard reports to the RDRRM Operation Center in the event of incidents or other eventualities during Undas,” he said.

Yucot also instructed that technical staff and response personnel should be readily available at operations centers, ensuring communication equipment, including hotline numbers and email addresses, remains accessible.

Response assets must be deployed to areas of need, and national government agencies with deployed assets at local government units should coordinate with the local DRRM office for a unified approach.

All response agencies and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices are required to report their actions to the RDRRMOC for monitoring purposes.

“We must remain vigilant to ensure a peaceful observance of Undas this year,” Yucot said.

Meanwhile, The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) is on full alert and will deploy 2,707 personnel across the region as Filipinos observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and 2.

Around this time which Filipinos call ‘Undas,’ thousands of Bicolanos are expected to visit cemeteries and places of worship to honor their departed loved ones.

PRO-5 Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. urged the public to remain alert and report suspicious activities.

“We are not just deploying numbers. We are deploying commitment, discipline, and dedication,” Babagay said in a statement.

“Our officers are ready to serve and protect, respond to any situation, and ensure that our communities can commemorate Undas peacefully and safely.”

A total of 1,491 police officers will be assigned to operate police assistance desks strategically located in cemeteries and memorial parks.

Meanwhile, 479 officers will be deployed along national highways and major thoroughfares to manage motorist assistance desks.

Some 192 officers will be stationed at key transportation hubs, including bus terminals, airports and seaports; while the rest will provide security and public assistance at churches, pilgrimage sites and major tourist destinations. (PNA)

YEARLY OBSERVANCE. Filipinos visit their departed loved ones at the Manila North Cemetery on Nov. 1, 2024. In the Bicol Region, the Police Regional Office will deploy a total of 2,707 personnel to ensure public safety. (PNA file photo by Yancy Lim)