MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Friday said that it had identified areas of concentration as it laid out its preparations for the smooth and orderly observance of this year's All Saints' and All Souls' Day.

The MMDA said the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and all traffic bureau chiefs of Metro Manila local government units will discuss their respective traffic management plans and emergency responses for a peaceful Undas.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes said concerned agencies should prepare for the expected exodus of passengers going to provinces by implementing effective measures to alleviate traffic flow in major thoroughfares and in roads leading to and from major cemeteries in metropolis.

The MMDA will deploy a total of 1257 personnel from Traffic Discipline Office, Special Operations Group-Strike Force, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Road Emergency Group who will focus on priority areas such as bus terminals, cemeteries, and major thoroughfares.

"We will activate our Oplan Undas 2024 from October 27 to November 4 to ensure a safe observance of remembering our departed loved ones. We will also implement 'No Day Off, No Absent Policy' for our traffic personnel," Artes said. Schedule of duties will also be extended until midnight a day before and after Undas to increase visibility and to intensify traffic management.

The agency, through its Road Emergency Group, will likewise deploy 12 tow trucks and 6 ambulances to provide public assistance and immediately respond to any emergencies. Help desks and command posts will also be set up in bus terminals.

Meanwhile, the Metro Parkways Clearing Group will focus its cleanup operations within the vicinity of cemeteries which will start on October 26 until November 4.

The MMDA Communications and Command Center is tasked to monitor traffic situations in the NCR 24/7. 30 units of deployable cameras will also be used in five major cemeteries in the region including Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina, and San Juan Public Cemetery.