Marikina City 2nd Rep. Stella Quimbo (PPAB)

Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo is urging the local government of Marikina to be more "humane" following the exhumation of 800 sacks of unclaimed human remains at Barangka Public Cemetery.

In a statement on Thursday, Oct. 31, Quimbo emphasized that the local government must immediately address the needs of affected families, as well as ensure the dignity and security of their loved ones' remains.

“Ang ating panawagan para sa lahat ay itigil muna ang politika para sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan na maraming naapektuhan,” said Quimbo, who is running for mayor of Marikina in next year’s midterm elections. 

(Our call to everyone is to set aside politics for the sake of our fellow residents who have been greatly affected.)

“Sama-sama nating panindigan ang makataong pamamahala para sa mga labi ng ating mga mahal sa buhay—sa ngalan ng respeto at dignidad para sa bawat Marikenyo,” she stressed.

(Let us all uphold humane governance for the remains of our loved ones—in the name of respect and dignity for every Marikeño.)

On Wednesday, Oct. 30 or just two days before Undas (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day), a mass exhumation took place at the cemetery following the culmination of a five-year rental period.

Based on reports, the remains must be disentombed after exceeding the five-year limit. The cemetery has a capacity of 5,000 graves.

In a statement on Facebook, the Marikina City local government unit (LGU) said the exhumation was “unauthorized”. It also violates the law under Presidential Decree (PD) No. 856, or the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines. 

The LGU said an investigation into this matter was already underway. It also ensured that appropriate charges would be filed against those responsible.

For her part, Quimbo said the local government must release a list of those affected by the exhumation. She noted that this should include all the necessary information for the proper identification of remains, such as the number indicated on the sack, date of birth, and date of death.

The congresswoman underscored that the LGU should look into establishing a long-term solution for the limited grave capacity in the city’s cemetery.

She said this includes the construction of a public columbarium and additional public cemeteries, especially for the underprivileged.

Quimbo, the senior vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, said her office is open for those who wish to cremate the remains of their loved ones. She said they may visit her office at 18 Olive St., SSS Village, or send a message through Serbisyong Q’s Facebook Messenger account.

“Ako po ay nakikidalamhati sa mga naapektuhan at masakit sa damdamin na mismong sa panahon ng Undas nangyari ang ganitong insidente sa mga sagradong labi ng ating mga mahal na yumaong Marikenyo,” she said.

(I extend my deepest sympathies to those affected, and it is heartbreaking that such an incident occurred during Undas, affecting the sacred remains of our beloved departed Marikeños.)