As thousands of Filipinos are expected to travel to the provinces for Undas this long weekend, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has urged the public to stay vigilant against fraudulent Airbnb listings and ‘rent-tangay’ vehicle rental scams.
PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño urged people to be cautious of houses and vehicles offered online at unusually low prices, warning that these may be scams.
‘If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This means that if the offer is too cheap, it’s likely a scam,’ Tuaño said during a media forum organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government on Tuesday.
The PNP has intensified its public information campaign to warn travelers against fraudulent rental transactions.
It has also begun deploying police officers ahead of the expected surge of travelers and cemetery visitors during the observance of Undas.
‘This proactive measure aims to ensure smoother coordination and preparedness before the expected influx of travelers later this week,’ acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in a statement.
Police units across the country were placed on heightened alert status yesterday until Nov. 3 to maximize visibility as people visit cemeteries, columbaria and memorial parks to honor their departed loved ones.
Under Oplan Ligtas Undas 2025, more than 50,253 police officers have been deployed nationwide to implement security and public safety measures – over double the 21,000 personnel mobilized during last year’s observance.
With large crowds anticipated in cemeteries, transport terminals and major roads, Nartatez ordered police commanders to strengthen their presence on the ground.
‘My directive is to ensure that our countrymen feel the presence of the police – not to intimidate, but to reassure,’ he said.
‘Protect kids, elderly’
Meanwhile, the Department of Health has urged the public to protect young children and the elderly from flu and other respiratory illnesses.
‘Young people and senior citizens are the most commonly affected by flu during gatherings. They are also more likely to experience complications from these diseases,’ the DOH noted.
To prevent flu-like and respiratory infections, the DOH advised ensuring adequate water intake for both children and the elderly, wearing face masks and washing hands frequently.
The agency also reminded the elderly to stay home if they experience flu symptoms, while children are encouraged to avoid crowded areas such as cemeteries.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) urged the public to visit their nearest Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) clinics at the first sign of flu-like symptoms.
‘We encourage everyone to avail their PhilHealth YAKAP benefit. Let us not wait for the cough, fever or cold to worsen,’ PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Edwin Mercado said.
PhilHealth, according to Mercado, covers consultations, essential medicines and laboratory tests, if recommended by the primary care physician in YAKAP clinics.
He added that PhilHealth provides an influenza case rate package of P12,870 for patients requiring hospitalization.
An outpatient emergency case benefit is also available for those brought to the emergency room and classified as emergent or critical cases.
‘Pray for the departed’
Filipinos are reminded of the spiritual significance of the weeklong commemoration.
Laoag Bishop Renato Mayugba said that offering prayers for the deceased from Nov. 1 to 8 could grant plenary indulgence for departed loved ones.
‘On these days we can apply plenary indulgences for our beloved dead when we visit our cemeteries or when we pray for our beloved dead in our parish churches. Praying for our beloved dead has been revealed as a most praiseworthy work of charity,’ he said in his two-page circular titled ‘Call to Holiness.’
Aside from prayers, the faithful are also urged to offer masses and light candles for the dead as symbols of faith and eternal life.
Travel surge
To accommodate the surge of travelers during the Undas break and the upcoming Christmas season, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is ramping up its manpower at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major airports nationwide.
BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said the number of passengers is expected to peak today and Friday, reaching around 50,000 to 55,000 daily departures due to the long weekend.
She noted that this year’s travel figures reflect a steady increase compared to last year’s 49,000 to 59,000 peak, as many Filipinos are eager to travel abroad, while overseas Filipino workers are returning home to celebrate the holidays.
To ensure smooth processing amid the influx, immigration officers have been deployed in full force, with mobile counters set up to expedite document checks and passenger movement at international ports, particularly NAIA.
Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the bureau has opened applications for additional Immigration officer positions to strengthen frontline services at international ports of entry and exit.
‘This initiative ensures that we have adequate manpower to provide faster and more efficient immigration services during the peak travel season,’ he said.
Viado added that successful applicants will undergo intensive training at the Philippine Immigration Academy in Clark, covering immigration laws, arrival and departure procedures, document inspection and national security enforcement before deployment.
Newly trained officers will then be assigned to various airports and offices across the country.
The recruitment drive is part of the BI’s ‘Bagong Immigration’ initiative, which aims to modernize and enhance the bureau’s efficiency in managing high travel demand during peak seasons.