CEBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama has issued a directive to ensure a peaceful observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day here on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.
After issuing the EO, Rama inspected major cemeteries in this city on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Rama, who was joined by Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) chief Col. Ireneo Dalogdog during the inspection, said that with little Covid-19 restrictions, Cebuanos may now observe the “Kalag-Kalag” (Undas) like how it was observed before.
“We are back to normalcy,” Rama said when interviewed by reporters at Calamba Cemetery.
In his directive, the mayor said any form of gambling and other recreational activities, including the playing of loud sound system, in cemeteries are prohibited.
Bringing of deadly weapons and bladed instruments are not allowed in cemeteries.
“No vendors and selling of merchandise shall be allowed inside the cemetery premises,” Rama added.
Cooking of food and drinking of alcoholic beverages inside the cemeteries are also not allowed.
Rama instructed the Task Force Disiplina, headed by Dalogdog, to ensure that his directives will be strictly enforced.
Dalogdog said close to 500 policemen will be deployed in cemeteries.
“We have 455 policemen that will be deployed. But we have force multipliers and personnel from partner agencies such as the city traffic office so we will have a total of 855 security personnel that will guard our cemeteries,” said Dalogdog.
Dalogdog said the CCPO has started deploying its personnel as some people have started visiting cemeteries a week before the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
“Some people visited their departed loved ones early probably to avoid the crowd that’s why we have started deploying our personnel. By Oct. 29, our deployment will already be at full-blast,” Dalogdog said.