Manila’s North and South cemeteries have begun preparations for this year’s All Souls’ Day as COVID-19 restrictions further ease under the new normal.
The Manila North Cemetery management said it is expecting an influx of about 3 to 4 million visitors on All Souls’ Day.
In the cemetery, among the oldest and the biggest in Manila, the cleaning, painting, and renovation of graves will be allowed until October 25.
Starting October 28, internment operations will be temporarily closed. This will resume on November 3.
For those who will visit their departed loved ones, the main gates of the cemeteries are open from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. only starting October 29 until November 2. Vaccinated children below 12 years will be allowed to enter.
Videoke or any sound system that will cause loud sounds are not allowed inside the cemetery. Other banned items include alcoholic beverages, deck cards, bingo cards or gambling materials, flammable materials, firearms, and sharp objects like knives or cutters.
At the Manila South Cemetery, the same guidelines will be implemented.
Earlier, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it will roll out more mobile police outposts (MPO) to ensure peace and order during the country’s observance of the All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day, as well as the entire holiday season.
NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said these rolling outposts are “ready to be shifted to the cemeteries come the commemoration of ‘Undas’ where the people, after years of pandemic, are keen to visit their deceased relatives.”
“The establishment of MPOs is part of the crime prevention measures through immediate police response where patrollers will be on standby, ready to assist the public in times of emergency or extend safety services when needed. This initiative guarantees police presence is always seen and felt,” Estomo said.
Last week, the NCRPO launched a new mobile outpost in Paranaque City, bringing to seven the total number of MPOs that were already deployed in the metropolis.
These MPOs are situated along Aseana Ave., Macapagal Ave., Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway southbound ramp, Bradco Ave., Valera St., Diokno Blvd., and Panay Ave. at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX).