Davao City police to put 90 percent of personnel in the field for Undas 2026

The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) will send most of its personnel into the field during Undas 2026, covering more than 40 cemeteries and major transport hubs, according to Mindanao Times.

DCPO spokesperson PLTCOL Ma. Teresita Gaspan said the command will follow a 90:10 deployment ratio. Ninety percent of officers will be assigned to field operations, while the remaining 10 percent will handle administrative work at police stations. She spoke at a Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.

Gaspan said deployments will cover both public and private cemeteries, as well as seaports, airports and transport terminals. "Our policemen will be on full force during Undas 2026," she said.

Police and auxiliary personnel will staff checkpoints at cemetery entrances. Visitors will not be allowed to bring bladed weapons, firearms, or water containers and tumblers that are not transparent. Officers will require visitors to use clear tumblers instead. "If an item is banned, it is strictly prohibited," Gaspan said.

Gaspan said officers will be somewhat lenient with matches and lighters, since visitors use them to light candles. Cigarettes, however, will be confiscated under the city's anti-smoking ordinance and guidelines from the Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO).

Cemeteries usually stay open until 8 p.m. Gaspan said police will remain at selected cemeteries overnight. She added that visitors will generally not be allowed inside once operating hours end, and that the police will adjust their arrangements if needed.