Medical staff assist a female visitor who feels dizzy at Manila North Cemetery in Sta. Cruz on Friday (Oct. 31, 2025). A fully equipped Level 3 ambulance is on standby at the cemetery. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
The Department of Health (DOH) has placed all its hospitals and regional offices across the country under Code White Alert until November 2, as millions of Filipinos visit cemeteries for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Activated on October 31, the alert status ensures that DOH facilities and personnel are ready to respond to medical emergencies during the long Undas weekend. Hospital operations centers have been instructed to maintain close coordination with regional and central offices for swift reporting and response.
Two fully equipped Level 3 ambulances have also been deployed at the Manila North and South Cemeteries to assist visitors needing immediate medical care.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa reminded the public to stay cautious amid the ongoing flu season by observing proper hygiene, frequent handwashing, and cough etiquette. He also advised families visiting cemeteries to bring drinking water, maintenance medicines, and light snacks, especially for long hours of stay.
Meanwhile, the Manila City Government said it is fully prepared for the influx of visitors. Mayor Isko Moreno announced that the city’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Medical Response Team, along with criminology interns and volunteers, are stationed at Manila South Cemetery to assist those in need. A separate medical team has also been deployed to Manila North Cemetery.
“Rest assured, your City Government is on guard to ensure a safe, peaceful, and orderly day,” Moreno said, assuring the public of heightened security and crowd control measures.
As of 9 a.m., the Manila Public Information Office reported that an estimated 97,000 visitors have entered Manila North Cemetery, while 11,450 have been recorded at Manila South Cemetery—numbers expected to rise throughout the day.
