Crowds started visiting local cemeteries ahead of closures during Undas
UNDAS 2021 — Crowds have started visiting local cemeteries ahead of the closures during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Manila’s Finest Force Multipliers Alliance Head Chris Ortiz Sempio said that they had boosted security in anticipation of more families visiting the graves of their departed loved ones, especially in the Manila North Cemetery.
In a report on GMA Network’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, Sempio said that they didn’t allow the entry of all vehicles, even bicycles, because this caused a mess inside.
He added that they’re trying to remove all the stores inside as well.
READ ALSO: Metro Manila Mayors Approve Decision To Close Cemeteries, Memorial Parks For Undas
“Lahat po ng sasakyan kahit bisikleta po pinagbabawal natin sa loob kasi nagkakatoon po ng dagdag gulo sa loob eh, tapos ‘yung mga nagtitingda pinipilit namin na mawala sa loob,” Sempio said.
This came as all cemeteries in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be closed to the public from October 29 to November 2 in order to prevent mass gatherings amidst the pandemic.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced last week that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) unanimously approved a resolution urging local government units (LGUs) to close memorial parks and cemeteries during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
“Instead of going to the cemetery on November 1, ang gagawin na lang natin pumunta na, ngayon pa lang dumalaw na. I-spread na natin sa maraming araw para ‘wag magkahawaan,” MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos said in a press briefing Tuesday.
GMA News Online reported that the Manila North Cemetery currently accepted visitors from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, but strict inspections were conducted as visitors weren’t allowed to bring in animals, fragrances, alcoholic drinks, gambling materials, cigarettes, and sharp objects.
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