Cebu City cemeteries ready for ‘kalag-kalag’

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City is now ready for the observance of “kalag-kalag” following the massive clearing operations around the cemeteries in the city.

Mayor Michael Rama said that everything has already been in place for the observance of the “kalag-kalag” in the city, according to Councilor Philip Zafra who heads the committee of peace and order in the City Council.

The Department of Public Services (DPS) headed by John Paul Jelasque has also established an advanced pro-active schedule for the clearing of the cemeteries.

Rama has also specifically ordered the local police to look into “illegal activities” being done at the Bulacao cemetery that he accordingly personally witnessed.

"I want an application note…identifying specially hotspots where people just indiscriminately jump. I saw it with my own eyes in Bulacao," said Rama.

"Just near the barangay hall, butangan pag suga didto..klaro kaayong ginadili, so my order is simple to the police, I already told them what to do, it's secret," added Rama.

Apart from this, he also ordered the clearing of garbage and graffiti around the cemeteries of the city. Further, he also ordered the taking off the tarpaulins being put up.

Among those that Rama highlighted to address are the individuals settling in around the city cemeteries. Raquel Arce, who was tasked to oversee the development of Doña Pepang Cemetery, was already directed to look into the matter around this area.

According to Rama, a clearing operation to relocate these settlers from the cemeteries must also be done adding that living individuals shouldn't be housed in the house of the dead.

Further, Rama is also tapping the help of the Archdiocese to address the settlers around the Carreta Cemetery. In Chinese Cemetery, there is a plan of putting a medium-rise building to accommodate the settlers there.

"And I'm asking the private sector, even including Ayala, to help us," said Rama. — (FREEMAN)