Peaceful Kalag-Kalag

CEBU, Philippines — Kalag-Kalag is not only a time of prayer and remembrance—it is also a moment of unity and care. As Cebu City honors its dearly departed, it also prepares to protect the living.

While the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) reported a generally peaceful and orderly observance of Kalag-Kalag 2025, based on its inspection of cemeteries across the city yesterday (November 1), the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC) has raised the blue alert level over the city, as of 2:30 p.m. yesterday.

This shift of alert status from routine monitoring to heightened readiness was in anticipation of typhoon Tino’s projected landfall near Tabogon on November 4.

The alert status, issued upon orders of Mayor Nestor Archival, activates full mobilization of disaster response clusters, barangay-based teams, and emergency units, who are now conducting readiness checks, repositioning equipment, and submitting situational reports as the city braces for possible adverse weather conditions.

Amid the alert level upgrade, Kalag-Kalag operations remain smooth and orderly. CCDRRMO assistant head, Connie Jane Cuyos, led roving inspections across major cemeteries, including Calamba, Cabantan, Carreta, and Queen City Gardens, where deployed operatives continue to assist visitors and ensure safety.

City Disaster Chief Aderson Comar, in an interview with The Freeman, confirmed that no untoward incidents had been recorded, as of press time.

“Wala ra man, kay karong panahuna, mingaw pa man, init pa man,” he said, noting that the evening hours are expected to be more crucial. “Ini’g kagabii ang crucial ‘ani,” he added, anticipating heavier foot traffic and possible congestion. To prevent drinking sprees and maintain order, cemeteries will be closed at 10:00 p.m.

CCPO’s actions

CCPO Acting City Director P/Col. Enrico Figueroa, yesterday morning personally inspected all the 21 cemeteries in Cebu City, including the Calamba and Pardo cemeteries, and the Sto. Rosario Cemetery in Barangay Carreta.

Figueroa emphasized that a “generally peaceful” Cebu City was observed, attributing it to the deployment of around 1,300 police personnel on October 30. “Since we deployed our personnel two days ago, we have not recorded any incidents. So, generally peaceful tayo,” he told the media.

He added that no untoward incidents were recorded at the cemeteries because only a few people visited in the morning, citing that most of them were likely convenient to visit in the afternoon.

“So far, na-observe natin na medyo okay pa. Kunti pa yung mga kababayan natin na pumupunta sa semeteryo. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy na wala tayong insidente na mare-record,” said Figueroa.

The acting city director also acknowledged some challenges encountered yesterday, including vehicle parking, traffic congestion, and crowd management. However, he assured that all of these were under control with the help of their organized police deployment.

Aside from members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Figueroa said that other government units are also present to assist them in maintaining public safety and security. These include the Bureau of Fire Protection, local government units, and force multipliers.

Regarding prohibited items and activities inside the cemetery, the CCPO has reportedly confiscated more than two bladed weapons, made of ordinary metals used in cemetery cleaning. No arrests of individuals violating the liquor ban have also been reported so far yesterday.

When asked about individuals who want to spend the night in cemeteries, Figueroa said they are strictly prohibited. “Pinagbawal natin ang overnight sa sementeryo. Dini-discourage natin dahil unang una hindi talaga maganda nadito pa sila mag-oovernight at wala naman masyadong gagawin hanggang gabi tuwing gabi,” he said.

Furthermore, the CCPO also assured the public that they are enforcing safety and security measures relentlessly to prevent criminality that may occur and to ensure a peaceful and safe commemoration of All Saints' and All Souls' days.

Carbon market sales

Carbon Public Market, on the other hand, remains a vibrant hub for Kalag-Kalag preparations. At midday, flower stalls were busy with families, students, office workers, and seniors selecting fresh blooms to bring to cemeteries.

Vendors reported steady foot traffic since early this week, with peak crowds expected through November 2. To accommodate all schedules, several stalls are operating 24 hours, allowing customers to buy late at night or before dawn and avoid peak lines, the City’s PIO shared.

Much of the flower supply is locally sourced from Cebu City’s mountain barangays, including Sirao, Busay, Babag, Bonbon, Sudlon I, Sudlon II, and Malubog, where farmers have been sending down fresh crates throughout the week to keep Carbon buckets full.

For many families, a Carbon stop before Kalag-Kalag is part of the annual routine—choose fresh stems, assemble simple arrangements, and head to cemeteries together.

Weather forecast

As Kalag-Kalag continues into All Souls’ Day today, PAGASA forecasts generally fair weather for Cebu City.

The two-day specialized weather forecast, shared by retired meteorologist Oscar Tabada of PAGASA, shows that on November 2, it will be “cloudy to partly cloudy skies, sunny, hot and dry in the afternoon; partly cloudy to cloudy skies during the night” with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius.

No major weather disturbances are forecast to directly affect Cebu until typhoon Tino’s expected landfall on Tuesday (Nov. 4), in the vicinity of the recent earthquake-hit Bogo City and Tabogon town.

Tabada had confirmed that Tino will carry maximum sustained winds of about 146 kilometers per hour at 1:26 pm on Tuesday.

Authorities advise visitors to bring umbrellas, stay hydrated, and monitor updates from PAGASA and CCDRRMO.

Cebuanos are reminded to keep cemeteries clean, avoid bringing liquor or loud speakers, watch over children and valuables, and follow traffic and parking guidelines.

The CCDRRMO continues to urge discipline, cooperation, and vigilance as the city balances solemn remembrance with disaster preparedness.

For emergencies or inquiries, the Cebu City Command Center said it can be reached via 911 (Smart, TNT, Sun) or through mobile numbers 0932 537 7770 and 0917 839 9896.  — (FREEMAN)