Cemeteries to open 24/7

CEBU, Philippines — Unlike in previous years, there will be no limit to the visitation hours at cemeteries in Cebu City during this year's revelries for the All Saints and All Souls Days.

Also, more than 400 police personnel and force multipliers will be deployed to the 21 cemeteries during those days.

Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), revealed that police are about to complete the preparations they made for the upcoming holidays.

He said that apart from the force multipliers, more than 400 police personnel will be deployed to the 21 public and private cemeteries in the city.

According to Parilla, there will be a final coordination meeting next week with all stakeholders and other government agencies at Cebu City Hall.

After that, police will inspect the readiness of cemeteries, especially the big ones.

Parilla said the objective of the inspection is to ensure the cleanliness as well as the safety of those who visit the cemetery.

They also want to see the preparations made by the managers of the cemetery to ensure the safety of the people, especially since it is expected that many people will come.

“So far wala na tay limit but as to the time the city will be proposing for 12 midnight closure”, said  Lt. Col. Parilla.

As usual, alcoholic beverages, sharp weapons, loud speakers and parties are not allowed inside cemeteries.

Only visitors and candles will be allowed, but no overnight vigil will be permitted.

Parilla also clarified that they will not prohibit the bringing of children into the cemeteries, especially those who are small, but they encourage people not to bring children if possible to avoid inconvenience such as getting lost because of being separated from the group due to the large number of people.

“Wala man na nato gidili pero atong gi-discourage ilabi na sa panahon uwan, init and then possible daghan kaayo tawo, guot so kung magdala kag gagmay nga mga bata possible mangawagtang so mao nay usual nato nga problema kung naay mga bata”, said Parilla.

Police are also monitoring the weather as part of their security plan. (FREEMAN)