Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 13) — Cemeteries in Metro Manila will be closed on All Saints’ Day, the Metro Manila Development Authority said on Sunday.
In a message to reporters, MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said Metro Manila mayors unanimously agreed to the decision and a meeting will be held on Sunday night to discuss guidelines on its implementation.
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso was first to announce on Tuesday his directive to close off cemeteries and columbaries from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.
These are the days, he said, when huge numbers of people converge on cemeteries to pay respects to their departed relatives.
Moreno said he did not want large gatherings but will allow cemeteries to accept a limited number of visitors prior to Oct. 31.
Other local government units followed suit, including Manila, San Juan, Valenzuela, Mandaluyong, Pateros, Malabon, Makati and Parañaque. Cebu City in Central Visayas issued a similar order.
As of Friday, Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, and Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella have ordered a longer closure — from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.
Labella made it clear in his executive order that interment and cremation services should continue even on these dates.
For Pateros, Marikina, and Parañaque, the period will be from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.
Besides the three-day closure, Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro said his city will implement regulated cemetery visits from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30.
This is a developing story.
