The local government of Marikina prepared an “Oplan Undas 2024” task force to ensure safe, orderly, and peaceful observance of Undas in November.
Mayor Marcy Teodoro said on Thursday, October 31, that the city has already laid out plans, protocols, and guidelines for the upcoming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
“I have directed all relevant departments to implement our action plan, which includes enhanced security measures and traffic rerouting schemes, to accommodate the influx of cemetery-goers to our city’s cemeteries and columbarium,” the mayor said.
According to Teodoro, the task force is composed of key personnel from the Marikina City Police, Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS), City Health Office (CHO), Rescue 161, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), barangay officials, National Government Agencies (NGA), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), and relevant stakeholders.
These will be stationed at the five major cemeteries and a columbarium in the city: Loyola Memorial Park, Barangka Municipal Cemetery, Aglipay Cemetery, Holy Child Cemetery, Our Lady of the Abandoned (OLA) Cemetery, and the St. Paul of the Cross Columbarium.
The mayor added that traffic management is a key focus, especially around Loyola Memorial Park, the largest cemetery in the city.
“Starting at noon on October 31 and lasting until November 2, traffic along selected roads will be rerouted to ease congestion,” he said.
He encouraged the public to visit the official Facebook page of the Marikina PIO to check the traffic rerouting plans.
Teodoro said their priority is to ensure public security within the cemeteries and maintain peace and order throughout the observance.
“I have instructed that security protocols be strictly enforced, and command centers and police assistance desks will be established at the entrances of all cemeteries,” he assured.
“We also ask the public to do their part in keeping our cemeteries clean. Let us be mindful of our surroundings by properly disposing of waste and avoiding littering,” Teodoro requested.
Meanwhile, the mayor also said that vendors will be regulated to ensure unobstructed pathways around cemetery entrances, and they will only be allowed in designated areas to prevent congestion.
“As a reminder, certain items are prohibited inside cemeteries, including firearms, sharp objects, alcoholic beverages, and gambling paraphernalia," the mayor reminded.
He urged them to follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth and respectful visit to honor their departed loved ones.