Despite busy schedule and the inconveniences caused by the recent cyclones in some areas, throngs of Filipinos still flocked to cemeteries on Friday morning to spend time with their departed loved ones in observance of All Saints’ Day.
Manila North Cemetery
At the Manila North Cemetery, police have recorded an estimated 20,000 visitors as early as 7 a.m., according to Ivan Mayrina’s reported on Unang Balita. On Thursday, around 110,000 people went to the cemetery ahead of Undas.
“Kahapon kasi maganda ang panahon, makulimlim so nag-take advantage na yung mga kababayan natin na dumagsa dito. Ganun pa rin, generally peaceful,” Manila Police District (MPD) chief Police Brigadier General Arnold Thomas Ibay told Unang Balita.
(Yesterday, many took advantage of the fine, cloudy weather. It was generally peaceful.)
More than a million people are expected to visit the memorial park on Friday, considering the fair weather. Last year, an estimated 930,000 people visited the cemetery on Undas.
Visitors were prohibited to bring cigarettes, lighters, and perfumes to the cemetery. Such items would be confiscated at the gate.
Free rides were offered to senior citizens inside the cemetery.
Bagbag Public Cemetery
In Bagbag Public Cemetery in Novaliches, some visitors were already waiting at the entrance as early as 2 a.m. ahead of the 6 a.m. opening time, according to James Agustin’s report.
“Akala po namin kasi magbubukas siya ng maaga kasi traffic din po kasi ngayon kaya inagahan po namin,” said cemetery visitor Margie Gapuz.
(We thought the cemetery would open early because there is heavy traffic today.)
Some of the visitors went to the cemetery straight out of their graveyard shift from work to avoid the expected heavy crowd later in the day.
Alcoholic beverages, vapes, and painting materials were among the prohibited items in the cemetery. A police assistance desk was set up to provide assistance and security to visitors.
Cagayan de Oro City Public Memorial Park
Similarly, at Cagayan de Oro City Public Memorial Park, visitors came as early as 5 a.m. to bring flowers and light candles at the tombs of their loved ones, GMA Regional TV’s Cyril Chaves reported on Unang Balita.
Matches and lighters were confiscated from visitors as the cemeteries’ management already designated an area for lighting candles.
Overnight stays, sound systems, and sharp objects were also prohibited at Cagayan de Oro City Public Memorial Park.
At least 10,000 people are expected to visit the biggest cemetery in the city on Friday.
Mamburao Cemetery in Occidental Mindoro
At Mamburao Cemetery in Occidental Mindoro, visitors had to clean the tombs of their loved ones from mud brought by the rains from recent tropical cyclones, according to a report of Mav Gonzales.
Visitors had to deal with knee-deep flood, trash, and thick, tall grass in the cemetery; a number of the mausoleums were also muddy. —KBK, GMA Integrated News
