More than 2,000 police and security personnel have been mobilized across the Zamboanga Peninsula to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of Undas 2025, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-9 announced Thursday.
PRO-9 Director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta said their comprehensive security and assistance plan covers 226 cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria, with 807 police officers, 490 government uniformed personnel, and 877 force multipliers deployed to maintain peace and assist the public.
“Our personnel are fully prepared to safeguard the public and ensure that the observance of Undas remains peaceful and orderly,” Matta said in a statement.
The regional office also established 93 Motorist Assistance Centers (MACs) in major routes and convergence points, manned by 167 police officers and 143 uniformed partners, to help ensure safe and efficient travel. Security presence has also been strengthened at 47 bus terminals, 29 seaports, and five airports for quick response to incidents.
Matta assured the public of the police’s full readiness and urged everyone to remain alert, follow safety protocols, and promptly report any suspicious activity.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-9 reported that 27 public utility drivers and one porter tested positive for illegal drug use during surprise drug tests held across the region as part of “Oplan Harabas.”
PDEA-9 Director Bryan Babang said the drug tests covered 1,259 drivers at major transport terminals to ensure road safety during the Undas rush. Of those who tested positive, 13 were from Zamboanga City, seven from Zamboanga del Sur, six from Zamboanga Sibugay, and one from Zamboanga del Norte.
Babang said the initiative aims to ensure that public utility drivers remain drug-free, adding that results are still subject to confirmatory testing before further action is taken.
Over 2,000 Cops deployed for safe Undas in Zamboanga
