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’Undas’ generally peaceful, orderly; 40.7M visit cemeteries nationwide

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a generally peaceful and orderly observance of Undas 2026 nationwide, recording more than 40.7 million visitors in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria nationwide from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2

‘Based on reports from the ground, this year’s Undas was generally peaceful and orderly, reflecting the discipline of our personnel and the cooperation of the public,’ said PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement on Monday.

The PNP said 40,740,246 visitors had been recorded in 5,311 burial sites from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

A total of 1,695,440 visitors were recorded as of 6 a.m. on Monday.

Police also reported confiscating a total of 6,499 prohibited items from cemeteries nationwide.

These included 879 pointed or bladed weapons, 62 alcoholic beverages, 2,817 lighters, 1,739 cigarette and vape products, 180 cooking materials, and 397 flammable substances.

Nartatez said initial field reports indicated that security measures effectively managed the influx of cemetery visitors and travelers during the annual observance.

Over 166,000 police personnel and force multipliers were deployed to secure cemeteries, transport hubs, and other public areas.

Police assistance desks and emergency response teams were also stationed to assist cemetery visitors, especially children, senior citizens, and those requiring immediate help.

‘Our priority was to ensure people could honor their loved ones safely, and we are encouraged by the results of our collective efforts,’ Nartatez said.

People’s Bank secures two-notch Fitch rating upgrade

People’s Bank has achieved a significant validation with Fitch Ratings upgrading its National Long-Term Rating by two notches, from ‘AA-(lka)’ to ‘AA+(lka)’, with a Stable outlook.

This is only the second time the bank has a received a double notch rating upgrade in its history with the first instance being in 2010. The upgrade places People’s Bank ahead of all private sector commercial banks in Sri Lanka on Fitch’s national rating scale, reaffirming its position among the country’s strongest and most trusted financial institutions, the bank said.

With this upgrade, People’s Bank now jointly enjoys the highest National Long-Term Rating among domestic commercial banks, while surpassing the ratings of leading private sector banks. The development represents an important endorsement of the bank’s underlying strengths, extensive customer franchise and dominant position within Sri Lanka’s banking industry.

In announcing the rating action, Fitch Ratings specifically recognised the significantly stronger domestic franchises of People’s Bank relative to large private sector banks. The agency highlighted their market-leading customer reach, extensive branch networks, strong deposit franchises and established market positions, which provide significant advantages in funding strength and stability.

The upgrade follows Fitch’s recalibration of Sri Lanka’s national rating scale after the recent improvement in the country’s sovereign credit rating. Importantly, the revised rating framework has enabled greater recognition of People’s Bank’s distinctive competitive strengths and relative creditworthiness within the domestic banking sector.

Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda said: ‘This two-notch rating upgrade is a significant achievement for People’s Bank and a strong recognition of the confidence and trust the institution has earned over six and a half decades. It demonstrates that our unparalleled national reach, strong customer relationships and established market position remain fundamental competitive strengths. Being rated above all private sector banks is particularly encouraging and reinforces the importance of combining our national development mandate with sound commercial banking principles, strong governance and financial discipline. I specially appreciate the commitment and contribution extended by my fellow Directors, CEO/GM and the entire staff of the bank. Also, this would not have been possible without the guidance and support received from the regulators, the Ministry of Finance and other key stakeholders. As we chart the bank’s next phase of growth, we remain committed to building an even stronger, more competitive and future-ready institution that creates sustainable value for all our stakeholders.’

The rating upgrade also comes at a time when People’s Bank is demonstrating strong financial momentum and pursuing a strategic transformation of its business model, with greater emphasis on commercial competitiveness, operational efficiency, customer-centricity and digital innovation.

General Manager/CEO Clive Fonseka said: ‘This recognition by Fitch Ratings is an important endorsement of the fundamental strengths of People’s Bank and the direction in which we are moving. We have been steadily transforming our business to become more competitive, efficient and customer-focused, while maintaining prudent financial and risk management practices. Our objective is not merely to preserve our position as one of Sri Lanka’s largest banks, but to establish ourselves among the best-performing and most resilient financial institutions in the country. This upgrade provides further encouragement as we accelerate our transformation, strengthen our financial performance and deliver greater value to our customers. I would like to acknowledge the guidance and direction given by our Chairman Chandana Guniyangoda and the board of directors and the dedication of all our team members across the country, whose collective efforts continue to drive the bank forward.’

The latest Fitch upgrade further strengthens People’s Bank’s standing among customers, depositors, investors and other stakeholders, providing renewed recognition of the bank’s institutional strength and competitive positioning.

As People’s Bank advances its strategic priorities for the coming years, this achievement provides a strong platform for its ambition to combine financial excellence, innovation and commercial competitiveness with its longstanding commitment to financial inclusion and national economic development. The upgrade to AA+(lka) is not merely a recognition of the bank’s standing today, but also a powerful encouragement to build an even stronger People’s Bank for tomorrow.

Azerbaijan presents its cultural heritage at Multicultural Festival in South Korea

Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage was showcased at the 21st Migrants’ Arirang Multicultural Festival (MAMF), held in Changwon, Republic of Korea.

Azerbaijani cultural pavilion, established with financial support from the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund (ADSF), presented the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, traditional costumes, the art of kelaghayi (traditional Azerbaijani silk headscarves), tea culture, and national music to Korean and international visitors.

Festivalgoers had the opportunity to learn more about Azerbaijan’s national traditions, customs, and cultural values. The Azerbaijani pavilion also contributed to fostering intercultural dialogue among different communities and promoting the country’s cultural heritage on the international stage.

The initiative was carried out under the leadership of Gunay Karimova, an Azerbaijani living in South Korea, with the active participation of Leyla Masimli and Aziza Huseynzada.

One of South Korea’s largest multicultural festivals, MAMF is organised by the local government, the Migrant Workers Welfare Centre of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and the Changwon Cultural Foundation.

Naia expects Undas season passenger count to exceed 1 million

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is anticipating at least 144,000 passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Monday, All Souls’ Day.

This is on top of the 868,423 passengers recorded from October 27 to November 1, which will push the total number of travelers using the country’s primary airport to over 1 million before the end of the Undas season.

‘Based on the projection of NNIC-AICCC (Airport Integrated Command and Control Center) passenger traffic is expected to reach at least 144,000 today,’ the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said in a text message to the media.

MIAA also said it is anticipating less passengers on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

‘Mas mataas po ang expected passenger volume namin today based on the projection, compared to November 3, we are expecting at least 139,000 passengers na lang po,’ MIAA told the Inquirer in a text message.

(The expected passenger volume today is higher based on projection compared to November 3, we are expecting at least 139,000 passengers.)

In 2025, NAIA handled 1,237,653 passengers from Oct. 27 to Nov. 4.

VP Sara visits mass grave of Ormoc flash flood victims

As the 35th anniversary of the Ormoc flash floods nears, Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday visited the city public cemetery mass grave memorial in Leyte where the victims of the 1991 tragedy were buried.

In a social media post, the Vice President led the wreath-laying ceremony ahead of the 35th anniversary of the Ormoc City flash flood on Nov. 5.

Aside from offering flowers, Duterte lit candles and prayed for the souls of the victims.

She also prayed for the victims’ families, urging them to stay strong as they remember their dead.

Duterte was accompanied by personnel from the Office of the Vice President-Eastern Visayas satellite office during the visit.

According to reports, 4,922 people from Ormoc died from the flash floods triggered by Tropical Storm Uring (international name Thelma).

New members of TMC Colombo

He is currently at his final year of LLB (Hons.) program at the University of Gloucestershire while also studying Software Engineering. He is also currently gaining practical experience at a legal chamber, where he is developing his knowledge of legal practice, research and documentation.

He has played club cricket at Sanath Jayasuriya Cricket Club, and has developed a strong sense of sportsmanship, discipline, teamwork and leadership. In addition to his keen interest in sports and with the involvement in law, technology and business, he hopes to combine his knowledge across these fields to pursue a unique professional career.

He is also passionate about professional development and expanding his knowledge through academic and practical experiences, with ambitions to make a meaningful contribution to the legal and corporate sectors in Sri Lanka.

Dinuri Dilesha

She is a final year student of LLB (Hons.) degree awarded by Buckinghamshire New University, UK. She has gained practical experience as a Legal Intern at a law chamber in Sri Lanka and as an Analyst in Compliance Operations at Acuity Analytics.

Alongside her professional experience, she works as an online tutor, helping students strengthen their academic understanding through personalised lessons and exam preparation. With interests in law, education and corporate affairs, she hopes to build a diverse career while continuing to learn and grow professionally.

Thushara Sandaruwan Karunarathne

He is an experienced professional with a diverse background in business management, media and journalism. He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Edna Group of Companies and has held several senior positions throughout his career, including Brand Manager, Media Director, Journalist and Editor in Chief.

His contribution to the newspaper industry includes serving as CEO and Sub Editor of Janahanda, Peraliya, Diva, Undaya and Eksath newspapers, as well as Editor in Chief of Janahanda Newspaper and CEO and Editor in Chief of Siwdesa Newspaper publications. His experience in newspaper publishing and editorial management reflects his longstanding involvement in Sri Lanka’s media industry.

During his tenure at the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine, he served as Media Secretary and Parliamentary Advisory Committee Representative. He has also represented Sri Lanka at international conferences in Switzerland, South Africa and India and contributed to initiatives promoting Sri Lankan indigenous medicine internationally, including projects in Germany and the United Kingdom. His career reflects extensive experience in leadership, media management, business development and international representation.

Shanaka Fernando

A pragmatic and influential business consultant and senior executive with over 30 years of experience in the Information Technology industry. He is celebrated as a results-driven leader with exceptional analytical skills. having held senior management positions in some of Sri Lanka’s most prominent companies, such as John Keells Holdings, Keells Business Systems, and East-West Information Systems Ltd. Renowned for his consistent success in project management, consulting, and strategic advisory roles, he has supported leading public and private sector organisations across Sri Lanka and the Asia-Pacific region, including global giants like Microsoft, IBM, Dell, HP, and CommScope. His expertise spans through business strategy, technology implementation, and nurturing startups by harnessing emerging technologies for commercial growth. A proactive achiever, he earned multiple local and international awards early in his career, exemplifying his talent for driving revenue and business expansion. Moreover, he has championed environmental sustainability through pioneering eco-friendly waste management and recycling initiatives. His visionary leadership and multidisciplinary proficiency make him indispensable in corporate innovation and technological advancement.

PNP: Undas generally peaceful

Police units should remain on heightened alert today despite the generally peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police visibility, patrols and response to security concerns must be sustained.

Over 141,000 police officers and force multipliers have been deployed to secure cemeteries, transport terminals and other areas for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

‘Our responsibility does not end with a favorable assessment. Every Filipino must be able to honor the dead without fear or disruption,’ Nartatez said.

The Metro Manila police will extend security operations to residential communities and vital installations to protect homes left unattended during Undas.

National Capital Region Police Office officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said NCRPO personnel are expected to ‘remain alert, visible and approachable.’

DTI vows continued support following record-high exports

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has committed to support businesses in tapping trade opportunities to sustain the momentum after exports hit a record-high in September.

In a statement, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the DTI remains committed in providing support to help Filipino enterprises maximize global opportunities.

‘Our exporters continue to prove that Philippine products can compete and succeed globally. This record performance reflects strong global demand, the competitiveness of our industries, and the hard work of Filipino businesses, workers, farmers and manufacturers. More importantly, it means greater opportunities for Filipinos across the country,’ Roque said.

Philippine exports reached $9.87 billion in September, the highest monthly value since the Philippine Statistics Authority started tracking performance in 1991.

The September exports value also jumped by 35.6 percent from $7.28 billion in the same month last year.

Electronic products remained the country’s leading export, amounting to $6.92 billion and accounting for 70 percent of total merchandise exports in September.

For the January to September period, total merchandise exports rose by 17.2 percent to $73.95 billion from $63.08 billion in the same period last year. This also marks the highest January-to-September export value on record.

Roque said the DTI would continue opening doors for local enterprises by providing tailored assistance, helping them comply with international standards and linking them with foreign buyers.

‘Trade promotion must lead to sales, repeat orders and long-term partnerships,’ the DTI chief said.

MRT-3 fields 3 more trains

THE Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is running three additional trains starting Monday, raising its peak-hour deployment to 19 trains as commuters return to Metro Manila after the Undas holidays.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon said the added trains will carry about 6,000 more passengers a day, though he said ‘this is still not enough.’

‘I asked for three more trains on the MRT-3, that plies Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, Metro Manila’s Circumferential Road 4. That starts today,’ Dizon said.

‘That’s an additional 6,000 passengers a day. But that’s still not enough. We need to add more, but I first have to talk to our Japanese partners on how to do it,’ he added.

The 19-train peak-hour deployment on November 2 is higher than the line’s regular holiday deployment of 14 trains during non-peak hours and 16 trains during peak hours.

Of the 19 trains, 13 run in three-car configurations and six in four-car configurations, all using Czechia-made trains.

Dizon said the additional deployment was ordered ahead of the expected influx of returning passengers.

‘As of today, we’re adding three because our countrymen will be flocking back to commute starting tomorrow. So as early as now, we’ve asked for more trains,’ he said.

Dizon said he will meet with MRT 3 management to further increase the number of trains for the coming holiday season.

Dizon also ordered the immediate repair of escalators at the station that were found not working.

‘I saw that there are escalators here that are not working, so those are what we will prioritize. We will have them fixed quickly,’ he said.

2027: FCT backs Tinubu’s re-election, Wike pushes Rainbow Coalition

In a massive show of political solidarity, stakeholders, leaders, and party members of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have formally endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was announced on Saturday during a high-profile Rainbow Coalition stakeholders’ meeting and unveiling of FCT National Assembly candidates, organised by the FCT Stakeholders Assembly at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, spearheaded by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

The gathering brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, area council chairmen, indigenous communities and residents, who endorsed Tinubu for a second term, alongside Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda for the FCT senatorial seat; Hon. Don Gabaya for Abuja North Federal Constituency; and former Bwari Area Council Chairman, Danladi Chiya, for Abuja South Federal Constituency.

Describing the move as historic, Wike urged political actors across the country to emulate the FCT’s cross-party approach and adopt the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ model to foster unity and ensure national progress.

‘Today, we give honour, we give glory to Almighty God, who has made everything possible for us today by giving wisdom to the Abuja stakeholders assembly to mobilize various individuals and residents of Abuja to make history by coming out in their numbers to endorse His Excellency Ahmed Bola Tinubu for the presidential election taking place 16th of January, 2027,’ Wike stated.

Wike challenged supporters of President Bola Tinubu to translate their political endorsement into votes in the January 16, 2027 election, insisting that every stakeholder must deliver their polling unit, ward, local government and state.

Addressing the mammoth crowd comprising leaders from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and other political platforms, Wike noted that the FCT had learned vital lessons from the 2023 electoral outcomes.

‘We shall never make the mistake we made in 2023. Are we going to make the same mistake? No! Are we going to make the same mistake? No!’ Wike declared to enthusiastic applause.

He said, ‘In 2023, we made a mistake, but I thank God that when you realize your mistake, you correct it. Is it not? To err is human, to forgive is divine’.

Wike praised the collaborative spirit of the FCT leadership, area council chairmen, traditional rulers, women groups, and youth organisations for burying party lines to champion developmental governance under President Tinubu’s administration.

Highlighting the essence of political loyalty and performance, Wike charged the electorate: ‘Let me tell you one thing in politics: you vote for somebody who knows you, somebody who cares for you, somebody who knows when you have a problem, who can fight for you’.

During the assembly, the FCT leadership endorsed former Senator Philip Tanimu Aduda to return to the Senate representing the FCT.

Additionally, Dr Zephaniah Jisalo and Hon. Micah Jibrin were endorsed to fly the flag for the House of Representatives seats covering Abuja’s constituencies.

Wike emphasised that the Tinubu administration had broken records by institutionalising inclusive governance, noting landmark structural milestones such as the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission, which has renewed the hope for career progression among civil servants.

He said: ‘Bola Ahmed Tinubu created the youth secretariat. Bola Ahmed Tinubu created the women’s secretariat. It has never been there; this is the first time. Bola Ahmed Tinubu established the FCT Civil Service Commission.

‘Today, civil servants can rise. Their hope has been renewed… You only retire as a director; none of them could aspire to be permanent secretary or head of service. But through the grace of God, through Ahmed Bola Tinubu, today, they can aspire to be permanent secretaries; they can aspire to be head of service’.

He also commended the Area Council Chairmen for putting aside partisan differences for development.

‘When I came on board, irrespective of the political party, all of us agreed to work for the progress, to work for the improvement of the Federal Capital Territory. If the Area Council chairmen did not support us, if there was no cooperation, it would have been very difficult,’ Wike acknowledged.

Directly charging the youth, women, and party chieftains, the Minister stressed that loyalty must translate to grassroots electoral victory rather than mere empty claims.