Ilocos police chief checks Undas security in San Carlos - Daily Tribune

Seaport Traffic Surges Past 114,000 as Undas Travel Rush Intensifies Nationwide

As millions of Filipinos travel across the archipelago for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, sea travel numbers climbed rapidly by Saturday afternoon. The Philippine Coast Guard reported that passenger volume in seaports nationwide swelled to more than 114,000 travelers.

The numbers reflect a massive logistical movement as families head to their home provinces for the long weekend. According to data monitored by the Philippine Coast Guard between noon and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, officials recorded 60,411 outbound passengers and 54,291 inbound passengers, as detailed by the Cebu Daily News and Inquirer. These figures follow an earlier morning count that registered approximately 30,000 travelers passing through seaports nationwide as of 7 a.m.

Heightened Security Across Regional Ports and Cemeteries

To manage the heavy foot traffic, security forces remain on high alert. Police Regional Office 1 Director Brig. Gen. Crisaleo Tolentino inspected security preparations at the San Carlos City Public Cemetery in Barangay Rizal on Saturday, the Daily Tribune reported. During the assessment, San Carlos City Police Station chief Lt. Col. Lawrence Keith Calub presented the station’s deployment plan, focusing on personnel discipline, readiness, and rapid response capabilities for cemetery visitors.

Similar regional security measures match the national maritime posture. The Philippine Coast Guard deployed 6,221 frontline personnel across 17 districts, inspecting 540 vessels and 806 motorbancas. All units remain under a heightened alert status from October 29 through November 3.

Meanwhile, the Office for Transportation Security activated a 24/7 information center and deployed security auditors to monitor airports, Administrator Gilberto Cruz noted in an interview with Philippine News Agency. Authorities continue to remind travelers to observe security rules regarding sharp objects and permitted firearms documentation.

Projections and Passenger Expectations

The Philippine Ports Authority projects total seaport users to reach 1.93 million throughout the holiday window, marking a slight increase compared to the 1.90 million passengers recorded during the 2025 observance. As monitoring continues through the holiday weekend, agencies urge travelers to follow baggage guidelines and report suspicious items promptly to on-site security personnel.