The local government of Manila said on Friday, November 1, that around 1.5 million people are expected to visit the city's cemeteries to observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
As of 10 a.m. on Friday, the Manila Police District (MPD) said that a total of 182,130 visitors were recorded at four cemeteries in the city: Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery, and Chinese Cemetery.
The Manila North Cemetery has the highest number of visitors as of Friday morning with 157,000, followed by the Manila South Cemetery with 16,110.
Despite the released reminders, MPD still confiscated some prohibited items from cemetery-goers, such as bladed weapons, flammable materials, cigarettes, and perfumes. It said that a total of 1,653 items were confiscated.
To ensure a peaceful and orderly observance, Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan appealed to the visitors to refrain from bringing in banned items.
“The cemeteries are not places for anyone to bring guns, knives, and icepicks. Only the police are allowed to have firearms on the premises. If you have personal safety and security concerns, seek the assistance of the police as you enter the cemetery and deposit your weapons with them,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women visiting the cemeteries can avail themselves of the free ride services using e-trikes to reach the tombs of their loved ones.
Other rescue services are deployed around the cemeteries to respond to any emergencies.