CEBU CITY – People started visiting various cemeteries here on the eve of All Saints' Day on Monday, Oct. 31.
With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions and improved weather, authorities are expecting cemeteries to draw huge crowds visiting their departed loved ones in observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba, chief of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7), said they are not limiting the number of people who can visit cemeteries after the local government units imposed a more relaxed Covid-19 protocols.
Alba said they would only encourage senior citizens, children, or those with comorbidities to wear face masks when visiting cemeteries.
In Cebu City, strict protocols in cemeteries are being enforced as those who will be caught littering, spitting, and smoking will be fined P500 to P2,000.
Alba led the inspection of some cemeteries in Metro Cebu on Monday.
Alba said police will ensure that prohibited items such as sharp objects, bladed weapons, illegal drugs, sound system, and alcoholic beverages will not be brought inside the cemetery.
He said the police are being aided by force multipliers in ensuring peace and order in cemeteries.
“We have volunteers and force multipliers from inter-agency and even private organizations,” Alba said in an interview at the Calamba Cemetery, the biggest public cemetery here. Police said at least 60,000 people are expected to visit Calamba Cemetery.
As of 9 a.m. Monday, the PRO 7 had yet to record contraband confiscated in cemeteries.