Philippines: Tight security likely nationwide during All Saints' Day holidays Nov. 1-2

Event

The Philippines will mark the annual All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day public holidays Nov. 1-2. President Ferdinand Marcos declared Oct. 31 a special non-working holiday. Government offices and business closures are likely during the holidays.

Millions of Catholics across the Philippines typically travel to their hometowns and visit cemeteries and memorial parks to honor their ancestors during the holiday. Authorities will heighten security around cemeteries and memorial parks across the country. Tight security will also be in place at churches and transport centers nationwide. While the government has not announced specific terror threats to date, officials have issued terrorism warnings around the holiday time frame in the past. The discovery of suspicious packages could lead to security scares at shopping centers and transport hubs, prompting brief localized disruptions. Petty crime, such as theft and pickpocketing, typically heightens during the holiday period.

Transport and business disruptions are likely ahead of and during the holidays due to increased domestic travel and heightened security measures. Highway congestion, as well as delays to domestic flights and long-distance ferry and bus services, are likely. Regional police forces may establish public assistance centers at major transport routes in anticipation of heavy traffic.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Confirm all official and business appointments during the holidays. Confirm all transport reservations and prepare for cancellations and delays. Consider limiting road travel before, during, and after the holidays as a precaution. Drive defensively, especially on highways. Closely guard valuables in crowded areas. Heed all official advisories and remain cooperative if stopped by authorities for security and health checks.