Faithful to observe All Saints Day on Nov. 1

by Christina Hermoso

The Catholic faithful will observe All Saints Day on Tuesday, November 1, in honor of all the saints, known and unknown.

All Saints Day (Catholic Online)

Now that cemeteries and columbaries are open to the public unlike in the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, families and friends of the departed will be able to visit their loved ones who had passed on although many had planned on visiting earlier or much later to avoid the expected crowd. 

As in the past years, Church officials remind the faithful “to commemorate All Saints’ Day solemnly as it is meant to enrich the faith of all who observe it. As we honor the saints and remember our departed loved ones, we actually give glory to God,” Church leaders said.

According to an old tradition, prayers for the intercession of saints are as old as Christianity itself, while the veneration of saints goes back to the beginning of Christianity. Catechism 2683 said, “Their intercession is their most exalted service to God’s plan. We can and should ask for them to intercede for us and for the whole world.”

Originally known as the Feast of All Martyrs in memory of the martyrs of the early Church who died for their faith in Christ, All Saints’ Day has since evolved into a solemn observance during which the Church remembers all who have died in the faith. Pope Gregory (731-741) consecrated a chapel in the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome, Italy to all the saints and fixed the observance to Nov. 1. Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration to the Universal Church in 837.

No threat in Davao City – military

Task Force Davao commander, Col. Darren Comia. PNA file photo

By Ruth Palo October 30, 2022 

DAVAO CITY: Task Force Davao Commander Col. Darren Comia said on Friday, October 28, that there was no monitored direct security threat in Davao City during the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

Comia made the confirmation during the send-off ceremony of security and safety personnel who will be deployed to provide the maximum security coverage, including traffic and direction control, and public safety services in all private and public cemeteries beginning October 30.

Comia, however, said the security sector will not lower its guard down and must not be complacent. Instead, they will continue to be vigilant and alert.

Comia assures Task Force Davao is fully committed to performing its tasks in support of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) to ensure the safety and security of the entire city.

He urged all units, all safety and cluster members to do their share in protecting the city against criminalities during Undas.

Thousands of personnel deployed on All Saints' Day.

Public Safety and Security Command Center head Angel Sumagaysay said the city is aiming for a zero crime incident during Undas.

Sumagaysay, who also read the message of Mayor Sebastian Duterte, said that the city is expecting a strengthened collaboration among the security sector for top-quality security services for the Kalag-kalag.

"May you continue to empower your units and enhance their competencies in order to serve and better protect our constituents," Duterte said.

DCPO Deputy Director for Administration LtCol. Jed Clamor, meanwhile, said that he hopes the security plan for Undas will be followed to achieve the zero incidence.

PNP suggests early visit to graves of loved ones

By Francis Earl Cueto , Christian Crow Maghanoy  and Red Mendoza, Manila Times

PEOPLE planning to visit the graves of their loved ones on All Saints' Day or All Souls' Day were advised by the Philippine National Police (PNP) chief to do it this weekend instead.

"This coming Saturday, Sunday and Monday are the best days to consider when planning to visit cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria, and other holiday places of convergence to avoid crowding," Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said after making the rounds of cemeteries, bus terminals and seaports on Friday.

"So far so good. All deployments are in place according to our security plan tailored on the situations expected," he said.

All Saints' Day this year falls on a Tuesday, and All Souls' Day on a Wednesday, creating a rare four-day holiday.

It will be the first time in two years that cemeteries and similar sites will be fully reopened, after they were closed or had restricted access because of the Covid pandemic.

PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo earlier reminded residents who will be leaving their homes for the long weekend to secure their homes not only against thieves but from possible flooding due to Storm "Paeng."

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has suspended the expanded number coding scheme from October 29 to November 1.

MMDA spokesman Mel Carunungan said the suspension was part of the preparations of the Metro traffic bureau for the long weekend.

Carunungan also said at least 1,500 traffic enforcers will be fielded in major transport terminals to manage the expected swarm of travelers. The enforcers will be backed up by 300 personnel from the MMDA's clearing operations group, she said.

The MMDA and North and South Luzon Expressways were also working closely to ensure a smooth flow of motorists, Carunungan said.

Vehicles with license plates ending in one to four will be able to travel within the National Capital Region (NCR) within coding hours during the long weekend.

The number coding scheme aims to reduce traffic volume in Metro Manila by 20 percent during peak hours.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, an average of 405,000 vehicles plied EDSA daily.

7 roads in Quezon City to be closed for weekend repairs

The MMDA also said at least eight major roads in the National Capital Region will be temporarily closed during All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day for reblocking and repairs.

It said the Department of Public Works and Highways will close the following roads starting Sunday, October 30, until November 2:

1. EDSA Northbound, Quezon City after Boni Serrano flyover to before P. Tuazon flyover third lane from the sidewalk (fast lane), after P. Tuazon flyover to before EDSA/Aurora Boulevard tunnel first lane from the center island (fast lane/ Bus Carousel), after Aurora Boulevard to near New York Street second lane from the center island (fast lane)

2. Cloverleaf NLEx NB to segment of EDSA NB (inner lane)

3. Cloverleaf (Chainage 000- Chainage 234) going to NLEx SB

4. Roosevelt Avenue corner EDSA SB

5. Payatas Road, Quezon City near Amlac Ville Subdivision

6. Along C-5 Service Road, Barangay Bagong Ilog (in front of Corazon Funeral Services), along Lanuza corner D. Julia Vargas near Valle Verde, along Pasig Boulevard, Barangay Bagong Ilog near Rizal Medical Center

7. C-5 Road SB (2nd lane) Makati City

8. Along EDSA SB Quezon City (Balingasa Creek to Oliveros Footbridge)

The roads will be fully passable by 4 a.m on November 2.

Motorists were advised to take alternate routes

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has mobilized its medical assets and services for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day amid the threat of Storm Paeng.

In a statement, the PRC said it has mobilized 1,104 trained personnel and 222 staff nationwide, as well as 217 first-aid stations and 67 ambulances in 235 cemeteries nationwide.

It has also deployed personnel on major highways in Abra, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Northern Luzon Expressway, Sta. Rosa City in Laguna, Davao del Sur, Surigao del Sur and in Valenzuela McArthur Highway, as well as in bus stations, seaports and airports.

The mobilization began on Friday and will continue until November 2 to provide medical care to motorists and commuters visiting cities and provinces.

The PRC reminded the public to strictly follow health protocols and minimum health standards, such as wearing masks, physical distancing and hand washing.

It said most cemeteries will only allow entry for fully vaccinated individuals over 12 years old.

It urged the public to contact the Philippine Red Cross operations center at 143 or 02-8790-2300 for any emergency.

5000 policemen for All Saints’, Souls’ Day

At least 5,000 policemen will be deployed in Metro Manila alone for security in observance of All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day according to the National Capital Region Police Office.

Here are more details:

5000 policemen for All Saints’, Souls’