MANILA, Philippines — October 25, 2026 — Families planning to visit their departed loved ones at Manila North Cemetery this Undas are being urged to prepare early as cemetery officials enforce strict visiting schedules, a five-day vehicle ban, and restrictions on prohibited items ahead of the expected influx of visitors.
With All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2 approaching, the Manila North Cemetery management has announced several important deadlines that visitors should not overlook.
According to cemetery director Daniel Tan, cleaning, repairing, and repainting graves will be permitted only until Tuesday, October 27, while Wednesday, October 28 will be the final day for burials before the Undas observance.
The cemetery will be open to the public from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., October 29 through November 2, giving families five days to pay their respects under the special holiday schedule.
But visitors will have to follow heightened security restrictions.
NO VEHICLES ALLOWED FROM OCTOBER 29 TO NOVEMBER 2
Private vehicles will not be permitted inside Manila North Cemetery throughout the five-day observance.
The measure is intended to reduce congestion, keep cemetery pathways accessible, and protect pedestrians as large numbers of visitors enter the grounds.
Families traveling with senior citizens, children, and persons with disabilities are advised to plan their transportation and seek assistance from cemetery personnel when needed.
WHAT ITEMS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED?
Authorities have reminded visitors that the following are not allowed inside the cemetery:
- Firearms, knives, and other sharp or dangerous objects
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pets
- Guitars, loudspeakers, and powerful sound systems
- Flammable materials, including rubbing alcohol and paint thinner
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and gambling are also prohibited inside the cemetery.
These measures are designed to maintain a peaceful environment where families can remember their departed loved ones safely and respectfully.
POLICE SECURITY HEIGHTENED AS UNDAS APPROACHES
Security preparations are already underway as the Manila Police District strengthens its presence around major cemeteries.
Police operations have included inspections of areas inside Manila North Cemetery ahead of the expected increase in visitor traffic.
The Manila Police District has also announced traffic restrictions affecting roads around cemetery areas from October 30 to November 3, including Blumentritt Road, Dimasalang Street, Maceda Street, and Aurora Boulevard.
Motorists are advised to check updated traffic advisories before traveling to avoid possible delays.
Authorities have also urged parents accompanying young children to provide identification tags in case they become separated in crowded areas.
MANILA SOUTH CEMETERY ALSO ANNOUNCES UNDAS GUIDELINES
The restrictions are not limited to Manila North Cemetery.
At Manila South Cemetery, cleaning and repainting graves will be allowed only until October 26, while burials will be permitted through October 28.
The South Cemetery’s announced special visiting hours are 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from October 31 to November 2.
Vehicle entry will likewise be prohibited from October 29 through November 2.
Regular cemetery operations are expected to resume on November 3.
AUTHORITIES PREPARE FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC AND VISITOR MOVEMENT
Beyond Manila’s cemeteries, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has announced the deployment of 2,419 personnel for traffic management and public assistance around major cemeteries during the wider Undas period.
The agency is coordinating with local governments and other authorities on traffic rerouting, emergency response, and public safety measures.
For families planning to visit Manila North Cemetery, arriving early, checking their belongings, and following official instructions may help prevent unnecessary inconvenience.
THE BIG QUESTION: WILL VISITORS BE PREPARED?
With cleaning deadlines approaching, restrictions on vehicle entry, and tighter security measures being implemented, cemetery authorities are encouraging the public to plan their visits instead of waiting until the busiest days.
For many Filipinos, Undas is an important tradition of remembrance, prayer, and family reunion.
But this year, visitors who fail to check the rules before leaving home could face unexpected inconveniences at cemetery entrances.
As Undas 2026 draws closer, one question remains: Will families arrive prepared for the stricter regulations, or will last-minute visitors face delays and confusion at the gates?
