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The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday urged motorists to remain calm and avoid involvement in road rage amid the influx of travelers for this year’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or Undas.

One of the latest road rage involved a fistfight between a motorist and a cyclist after the former honked his horn at the latter in Marikina City last Tuesday.

‘Keep calm and [stay] courteous on the road. A few moments of patience can save lives. Let’s drive safely and arrive home peacefully,’ the PNP said in a statement. ‘Drivers are urged to avoid road rage, maintain composure in heavy traffic, and respect fellow motorists and pedestrians.’ The police also reminded motorists to check their vehicles’ tires, brakes, lights and fuel before traveling; and to strictly follow traffic rules.

On another hand, the PNP reminded commuters amid the holiday exodus to be vigilant against pickpockets and to only deal with legitimate transport operators.

‘Our priority is your safety-from your homes to your destinations. Let us make this Undas a time of peaceful remembrance, not of accidents or conflict,’ Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in the statement. In another statement, the PNP said 42,613 police officers were deployed to secure the Undas observance with 20,255 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard to augment manpower.

The PNP previously said it was also setting up 5,192 police assistance desks to assist motorists and cemetery-goers.

This holy All Saints’-All Souls’ weekend (with its ghoulish Halloween counterpart), may we contemplate the fleeting nature of life, the exhilarating wonders it offers, and the crushing pain it brings.

Still, we must soldier on in this republic of ghosts, this nation of plunderers who wander like the restless spirits of the damned, who snatch for their hollow selves the bread of the poor and feast on their blood. On my mind is National Artist Benedicto ‘BenCab’ Cabrera’s stirring painting ‘My Sad Republic,’ of a person in a squatting position shrouded in a faded Philippine flag, with what looks like a crumpled newspaper on the ground in front of him.

Ghost infrastructure projects (flood control, farm-to-market roads, dams, dikes, bridges, etc.), ghost employees, ghost voters, ghost scholars, ghost schoolrooms, ghost government contract workers, ghost lawmakers (senators and congressmen) who collect their salaries and enjoy the perks but hardly show up for work, ghost Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries, ghost patients and hospital bills, ghost procurements, ghost signatories, even ghost nongovernmental organizations through which government funds may be channeled or laundered.

Ours is a republic of ghosts. Ghost here refers to nonexistent projects, beneficiaries, and forged ‘proofs’ of nonexistent deliveries of cash, goods, and services, while in darkened rooms, purloined public funds are delivered to the unintended. Creating ghosts is a most lucrative preoccupation of those with access to government funds, but who divert these to their own pockets and are seemingly unaware that the money or paper trail could catch up with them eventually, thanks hugely or partly to media efforts, as in the case of ‘pork barrel queen’ Janet Napoles. Her conduits in government got their own comeuppance and served time-briefly, unfortunately-while she continues to spend her post-menopausal days behind bars.

For the past and present ‘Undas’ season, church authorities have been discouraging ‘pagan’-inspired macabre ways for Halloween (an American import, pumpkins and all) but are instead promoting the celebration of the dear departed’s lives in solemn ways. There is a synchronicity in the way this year’s Undas season comes on the heels of the rising outrage against massive corruption, short of the people crying out for blood or calling for the heads of the plunderers to be served on bamboo poles.

Yeah, I’d like to watch a mock procession of severed heads done in papier-mSché, followed by a brass band playing Chopin’s ‘Marche Funèbre.’ How’s that for Halloween-like magical realism? So operatic.

I never tire of recalling our school days when the Benedictine nuns sang in Latin ‘Dies irae, dies illa’ in Gregorian chant on All Souls’ Day. Only after I read the English translation did I learn what it was all about. Only much later did I learn how important it was to composers such as Mozart and Verdi and even to contemporary musical giants like John Williams and Hans Zimmer. A liturgical classic, the lyrics tell of doom and dread, earthshaking when set to music. Taste versions of it on YouTube.

‘Dies irae, dies illa/ Solvet saeclum in favilla/ Teste David cum Sybilla.’ (Translation at the end of this piece.) The theme was derived from the prophet Zephaniah’s words, which should strike fear in the hearts of our republic’s incorrigibly corrupt officials and their accomplices.

‘Jerusalem is doomed, that corrupt, rebellious city that oppresses its own people. It has not listened to the Lord or accepted his discipline. It has not put its trust in the Lord or asked for his help. Its officials are like roaring lions. Its judges are like hungry wolves, too greedy to leave a bone until morning . But the Lord is still in the city.’ Ah, too greedy to leave even a token morsel.

But the prophet ends with a song of joy. And I think of the millions of Filipinos toiling abroad. ‘I will bring your scattered people home. I will make you famous throughout the world and make you prosperous once again.’

But as to striking fear in our hearts, this much-admired translation of the ‘Dies irae’ by Dr. W.J. Jones should do the job. Those who defile our world with their foul words and evil deeds, hearken.

‘Day of wrath and doom impending, / David’s word and Sibyl’s blending! / Heaven and earth in ashes ending!’

‘Oh, what fear man’s bosom rendeth, / When from heaven the judge descendeth, / On whose sentence all dependeth!’

‘Death is struck, and nature quaking, / All creation is awaking, / To its judge an answer making.’

Magnolia held off Phoenix’s last-ditch comeback for an 83-80 victory to create a four-way tie for the lead in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Jerom Lastimosa had 14 points and seven assists while Paul Lee knocked down all of his three triples for nine points as the Hotshots improved to 4-1, equaling the win-loss marks of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, TNT Tropang 5G and NLEX Road Warriors. But coach LA Tenorio’s wards had to stave off the Fuel Masters in the dying seconds after RR Garcia’s four-pointer trimmed an 81-74 lead down to one, 81-80.

Lastimosa drained two foul shots after being clipped by Garcia on the next play, before Magnolia prevented Phoenix from going for a game-tying three as Tyler Tio settled for a medium-range jumper that he missed.

Rookie forward Chris Koon scored five points and dished out one assist in almost 21 minutes for the Hotshots in his debut since being traded from the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. Jason Perkins posted 19 points and five rebounds, but Phoenix dropped in a tie for last place with Titan Ultra and Terrafirma at 1-4.

Ricci Rivero scored just six points after a string of high-scoring games for Phoenix as he was bothered by a knee pain.

The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has revived its e-Undas program to allow persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) to virtually reconnect with their families on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, even as the agency moves closer to shutting down the ‘haunted’ New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa by 2028.

BuCor Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said the e-Undas initiative, which lets inmates hold video calls with relatives, is now running in all BuCor facilities nationwide. Families may coordinate with the bureau via email to schedule calls between Oct. 30 and Nov. 2.

All Souls’ Day Masses

‘Two or three days before Undas, they can already set their schedules through e-Dalaw,’ Catapang said in an interview on ‘Kabayan sa TeleRadyo Serbisyo.’ ‘Families may contact us through email to set their preferred time.”

All BuCor facilities will also hold Masses on All Souls’ Day, Nov. 2, including one at the NBP cemetery where inmates who died during the COVID-19 pandemic were buried.

‘We are also authorized to light candles until 10 p.m.,’ Catapang said. ‘It’s part of our way to honor the departed and lift the morale of PDLs who can’t be with their families.’

He said ghost stories are common inside the penitentiary, particularly in the so-called White House, a structure within the NBP compound where senior officers stay.

According to Catapang, lights inside the building are never turned off because of reported apparitions. ‘That’s why we never turn off the lights-they say ghosts come out when it’s dark,’ he said.

‘White house’ in Bilibid

Catapang recalled that even a priest who once visited the White House told him there were ‘many souls’ still dwelling there. ‘The priest told me, ‘Sir, I can’t handle this alone. I need two more priests to help pacify the souls here,” he said.

Several staff members, Catapang added, have also refused to stay overnight in the building after hearing footsteps or seeing ghostly figures while on duty. One staffer reportedly woke up to find ‘a ghost staring at him’ after switching off the lights.

While he shared the spine-chilling tales in a lighthearted tone, such accounts have long been part of the lore surrounding NBP, one of the country’s oldest and most overcrowded penitentiaries.

Three alleged gunrunners were arrested by authorities in separate operations in Pasig City and Abra province, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Friday.

A 35-year-old woman named ‘Mary’ and a 41-year-old man named ‘John’ were arrested in Pasig City last Oct. 25, allegedly carrying with them a caliber 45 pistol and a caliber 9 pistol, according to the police in a statement.

‘[The suspects] were caught in the act of trading and selling unlicensed firearms. The duo is allegedly involved in gunrunning activities operating in Quezon City and other nearby cities,’ the CIDG explained.

‘Also confiscated from the suspects are assorted fake identification cards bearing the heading of the Office of the President, media, and International [Criminal] Police [Organization] (Interpol) badge, believed to be used in their modus operandi,’ it added. The CIDG did not say whether it validated whether the arrested suspects were indeed from the organizations they supposedly represent.

Meanwhile, a 39-year-old man named ‘Ham’ was arrested by police in Barangay Bacooc, Lagangilang town, Abra, last Oct. 26, leading to the recovery of a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, a caliber 9mm pistol, and a caliber 38 revolver. ‘[The suspect] has in his possession and control three firearms without the necessary documents permitting him to possess the same,’ the CIDG further noted.

The police said the arrested suspects will face a case for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. /mr

Positioned on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is demonstrably one of the world’s most vulnerable nations to natural disaster risk. This reality was recently evidenced by a sequence of three major earthquakes: magnitude 6.9 (Sept. 30), 7.4 (Oct. 10), and 6.1 (Oct. 17). These tremors swiftly exposed the critical fragility of the affected communities’ public infrastructure, connectivity, and essential utilities.

As of this date, the confirmed casualty count exceeded 80, with the ensuing displacement of over 20,000 individuals. Many of those affected were compelled to seek temporary refuge in exposed areas owing to persistent seismic aftershocks. There has been substantial impairment to critical infrastructure and public utilities, which notably included the compromise of essential water reservoirs and local government administrative facilities.

Despite facing massive damage, loss of life, and the fear of relentless aftershocks, communities immediately activated their ingrained spirit of bayanihan.

Now, envision the future where this profound resilience of spirit is not a coping mechanism, but a solid foundation fortified by disaster-resilient infrastructure and services that refuse to fail. It would significantly reduce the loss of lives and economic destruction. It can be achieved through adoption of international best practices and effective enforcement.

A faster and effective way to implement such practices can be by establishing partnerships with several international organizations for disaster risk mitigation. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, an international organization based in India, can significantly help the Philippines with its disaster risk mitigation efforts. CDRI endeavors to serve as the platform for its members and partners to collaborate and advocate for new infrastructure investments, thereby improving the quality of environment, livelihood, and life for over 3 billion people. CDRI provides members with data, tools, and technical assistance to upgrade their systems. This includes dedicated frameworks like the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index, which can provide the Philippines with a multihazard risk analysis of its infrastructure to channel investments effectively.

The Infrastructure for Resilient Island States is the CDRI’s flagship initiative, specifically designed to support small island developing states, in achieving sustainable and inclusive infrastructure. Although the Philippines is classified as a large developing country rather than a traditional SIDS, it shares many SIDS vulnerabilities due to its archipelagic nature on the Pacific Ring of Fire. It experiences high exposure to cyclones and seismic activities. It also has high dependence on coastal and interconnected island-based infrastructure.

The other program is the Urban Infrastructure Resilience Programme with the goal to enhance the resilience of city-level infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and SIDS. The Philippines is rapidly urbanizing, and its major centers particularly Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao, are highly vulnerable to seismic activity and flooding. The UIRP offers a direct path for these cities to obtain funding and data-driven solutions to develop and implement resilient street infrastructure, improving drainage, and strengthening social infrastructure like schools and hospitals against urban hazards.

However, currently, the Philippines is not explicitly listed as one of the CDRI’s member countries. The Philippines has a standing invitation to join the CDRI, which was renewed in November 2020. In fact, an opinion piece (see ‘Twin Indian initiatives for PH membership,’ 1/2/21) in the Inquirer by the former Indian ambassador to the Philippines noted an optimistic hope for the Philippines to join CDRI, but formal membership has not yet been announced.

The often-cited reason for nonformalization of the memberships for many Association of Southeast Asian Nations countries, including the Philippines, is slow internal procedures and bureaucratic bottlenecks. I would argue that the Philippines should prioritize joining CDRI primarily to secure critical funding, acquire specialized technical knowledge, and minimize cascading economic losses from future disasters.

Resilience is a critical economic investment. The massive annual economic losses and immediate post-quake infrastructure failures demonstrate that proactive spending on resilient infrastructure is more cost-effective than repeated post-disaster reconstruction. CDRI highlights that for every $1 invested in resilient infrastructure, over $4 in losses can be saved when a disaster strikes. Given that the Philippines incurred over $12 billion in damages and losses from tropical cyclones alone between 2011 and 2021, securing preemptive resilience funding is a powerful economic measure.

Amnesty International-Philippines has appointed Ritz Lee Santos III as its new Section Director effective Nov. 1, following the passing of former director Butch Olano, who led the organization from 2016 until 2024.

The appointment of Santos marks the first time in the organization’s history that a leadership transition comes amid the loss of a sitting director.

‘This transition demanded transparency and a strong reaffirmation of shared values,’ said outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Veronica Cabe.

Santos, a longtime human rights advocate based in this city, brings decades of experience in advocacy, community development, and people’s engagement. He has previously served as chairperson and member of the Board of Trustees and sat on Amnesty International’s global board, earning a reputation as a strategic leader and steadfast defender of human rights. ‘I will always trust the expertise of the Amnesty Philippines team,’ he said. Santos said his first year will focus on strengthening Amnesty’s participation in national human rights networks, expanding the organization’s presence in Visayas and Mindanao, and amplifying its voice in national accountability processes.

‘Looking ahead to 2026, we will work for stronger grassroots membership infrastructure, broader empowerment of local members, and proactive campaigning on the most urgent threats to human rights,’ he said.

Alongside Santos’ appointment, Amnesty International Philippines also introduced its newly elected Board of Trustees for 2025-2027, composed of leaders from various advocacy and governance backgrounds-including child rights, LGBTQI advocacy, data analytics, finance, and social development.

‘The incoming BoT is composed of advocates deeply involved in inclusive, intersectional community initiatives,’ Cabe said. ‘We have inherited a legacy of courage, and it is our responsibility to carry it forward-clearer and stronger, with full empathy,’ Santos said.

Unfazed by ghosts and ghouls, more than 300 children showed off their creativity and confidence in a costume fashion show held in this city on Friday.

The children took part in the ‘Monsterrific Halloween Costume Fashion Show for Kids’ at the SM City Tuguegarao/

Starting just before 4 p.m., children aged 4 to 12 paraded on stage wearing ghostly costumes, eerie makeup, and imaginative props that drew cheers from the crowd.

Supportive parents were on hand to guide and comfort their little models – some of whom grew restless in the long queues, while others dozed off as they waited for their turn to shine.

After the fashion show, the young participants were set to join the costume exhibit and enjoy the mall’s trick-or-treat activities to cap off the Halloween celebration

The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council here has activated the Incident Management Team (IMT) to strengthen coordination among various agencies in monitoring and responding to obtaining events related to Undas 2025.

The IMT is headed by City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department chief Nick Jabagat, and composed of local and national agencies such as City Information Office, City Health Office, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office, JR Borja General Hospital, Roads and Traffic Administration, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, the Army’s Task Force Oro, and Philippine Coast Guard.

Volunteer groups like Barangay Tanod, Climbs, Gloc 215, Red Cross, Carmen Rescue Team or CAREST and Adventist Rescue Operators Network or ARON also form part of the IMT. The local government said the IMT activation ensures greater success in keeping law and order during the Undas observance, as well as heightens alertness for possible situations that require immediate response.

During the weekend, the IMT will deploy medical teams at every cemetery.

With the expected throngs of people visiting the cemeteries, authorities are imposing traffic rerouting as well as some street closures and one-way schemes to avoid congestion of roads leading to and around cemeteries. This is based on an order handed down by Mayor Rolando Uy.

There will also be ‘no entry’ zones and ‘one-sided parking’ zones to avoid jamming the streets leading to cemeteries with vehicles.

As of 7 p.m. on Friday, authorities counted over 7,400 people to have visited the local government-run City Memorial Park, known as Bolonsori Cemetery in Camaman-an village.

Uy had decreed that during Undas, visits in all cemeteries must be done from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. only.

With the Final Four race reaching a fever pitch, La Salle is in a prime position to contend for a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

Coach Topex Robinson, though, isn’t caught up in the standings.

‘We don’t look at the competition and where we’re at. We’re on our own race,’ he said after the Green Archers’ 84-72 win over University of the East at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

‘We focus on what we have and what we have control of and that’s our improvement.’

Following their second-round victory, the Archers climbed to 6-3, tying the University of the Philippines for the No. 2 spot-a position that offers a twice-to-beat incentive. National University remains on top with a 7-2 card.

Yet despite how close La Salle is to that advantage, Robinson is more focused on how his squad will navigate its last five games, especially without Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos, who are sidelined with MCL injuries.

‘We still obviously miss the services of Mason and Kean so if you see our games we’re trying to look for other guys to step up,’ he said. ‘We’ve really been giving opportunities to others.’

La Salle looks to gain more experience rather than focus on wins alone this Sunday when it takes on the Bulldogs, still at the Pasay complex.