MANILA, Philippines, October 30, 2026 — The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) is stepping up its nationwide operations for the Undas 2026 travel rush, deploying 761 personnel and 586 force multipliers along major roads to help manage traffic, protect motorists and assist commuters.
HPG acting director Brigadier General Joyce Patrick Sangalang announced the deployment on October 29, saying the unit would focus on easing congestion and safeguarding travellers during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The preparations also include inspections of public utility vehicle terminals, with authorities checking whether buses and vans are roadworthy and whether their drivers are fit to transport passengers.
The announcement comes as millions of Filipinos prepare to travel to their home provinces, visit cemeteries and spend the long holiday with their families. SunStar Publishing Inc.+2
Seven Public Utility Vehicle Drivers Test Positive for Illegal Drugs
One of the concerns emerging from the pre-Undas inspections is driver safety.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency spokesperson Attorney Joseph Calulot said seven public utility vehicle drivers had tested positive for illegal drugs as of October 28.
The drivers are expected to undergo verification and suspension procedures pending further investigation.
The findings highlight why authorities are checking not only the condition of vehicles but also the physical fitness and readiness of the people behind the wheel.
For passengers, the inspections are intended to reduce the risk of travelling in vehicles operated by drivers who may pose a danger on the road. SunStar Publishing Inc.+1
HPG to Set Up Motorist Assistance Desks
Aside from highway patrols and vehicle inspections, the HPG will establish motorist assistance desks to help private vehicle owners who encounter problems during their journeys.
The desks are intended to provide assistance to motorists experiencing difficulties on the road, while personnel will also help manage traffic along major thoroughfares.
The HPG has urged drivers to inspect their vehicles before travelling, emphasising that roadworthiness and driver fitness are both essential to preventing accidents. SunStar Publishing Inc.+1
The warning is particularly relevant given the number of road incidents recorded this year.
More Than 118,000 Road Incidents Recorded in 2026
Data presented by HPG chief Sangalang showed that 118,658 road incidents were recorded from January 1 to October 15, 2026.
The leading reported causes included:
- Overspeeding — approximately 37,000 incidents
- Improper overtaking — 20,700
- Improper turning — 19,100
- Self-accidents — 9,700
- Drunk driving — 2,700
- Mobile phone use while driving — 1,600
- Mechanical failures — 1,400
Motorcycles were involved in approximately 57,700 incidents, while around 3,800 fatalities were recorded during the period.
The figures underline the risks facing motorists during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Philippine News Agency+1
Police and MMDA Also Strengthen Undas Preparations
The HPG deployment is part of a broader government effort to maintain public safety during the holiday.
The Philippine National Police has announced that more than 72,000 police personnel will be deployed nationwide, supported by partner agencies and force multipliers. The government reported a combined deployment of 141,172 personnel from the PNP and partner organisations.
The PNP is also scheduled to place the country under full alert status from October 30 to November 2, with personnel assigned to major roads, cemeteries, transport terminals and other busy locations. Philippine News Agency+1
In Metro Manila, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority plans to deploy 2,419 personnel around major cemeteries to manage traffic and provide public assistance.
Its preparations include traffic rerouting, medical assistance, emergency response arrangements and coordination with local governments. Philippine News Agency+1
For families visiting Manila North Cemetery, the restrictions are also important to consider. WWC ONE MEDIA has published the Manila North Cemetery’s Undas 2026 entry rules, vehicle ban and visitor deadlines.
Meanwhile, motorists travelling by bus can review the LTO’s Undas deployment and road-safety preparations and the latest bus inspection findings ahead of the holiday rush.
What Motorists Should Check Before Leaving
With traffic expected to increase, the HPG’s reminders offer a practical checklist for anyone planning a long-distance journey.
Before travelling:
- Inspect the brakes, tyres, lights, battery and engine.
- Check fuel levels and ensure the vehicle is properly maintained.
- Make sure the driver is rested, alert and fit to drive.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs.
- Avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking and distracted driving.
- Keep mobile phones and other valuables out of sight when leaving a vehicle.
- Park in secure, well-lit areas and lock doors and windows.
- Follow official traffic advisories, checkpoints and rerouting instructions.
Motorists should also keep emergency contact information accessible and make sure their vehicles have the necessary safety equipment.
Will the Undas Deployment Be Enough to Keep Roads Safe?
The deployment of 761 HPG personnel and 586 force multipliers represents a significant part of the government’s preparations for the holiday travel surge.
But the scale of the challenge is considerable. Thousands of vehicles will be moving along highways while families head to cemeteries, bus terminals and provincial destinations.
The road-incident figures also show that enforcement alone cannot eliminate the risks. Driver discipline, proper vehicle maintenance and responsible decisions behind the wheel remain essential.
For travellers, the most important preparation may begin before they even start their engines.
As Undas 2026 approaches, will the nationwide highway deployment be enough to prevent serious accidents, or will driver behaviour remain the biggest challenge on the country’s roads?
