Año orders police, LGUs to make sure cemeteries closed from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4

October 27, 2020

As ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Tuesday directed all local government units (LGUs) and police commanders to ensure all private and public cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria are closed from October 29 to November 4.

Año said despite decrease of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases particularly in Metro Manila, the danger has not passed and LGUs must ensure there will be no mass gathering in cemeteries.

He said LGUs and local police commanders are expected to be fully accountable in managing cemeteries within their jurisdictions.

“The President gave the order as early as September. We expect all LGUs to cooperate by ensuring that cemeteries within their localities are closed,”  Año said.

Año told police commanders to make sure cemeteries, memorial parks and columbaria follow quarantine rules, as the early All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day commemorations start and people flock to cemeteries ahead of the October 29 closure.

He directed all police units to enforce strictly minimum health and safety standard protocols, such as the wearing of face masks and face shields and observing physical distancing to those going to cemeteries early.

“The local police commanders and the mayors by now should have discussed the rules that would be implemented per locality but all these local rules that would be crafted should conform to the guidelines set by the IATF,” he said.

Año reminded all LGUs that the number of visitors in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria shall be limited to only 30 percent of the venue’s capacity and all those entering are following the health protocols.

Año also said PNP must set up assistance desks at the entrance of cemeteries and columbaria and police officers must do regular patrols  to ensure that IATF regulations on the number of people are followed.

Año said the observation of Undas this year will be different from the usual. He asked the public for their consideration and patience since the health crisis is not over.

“The DILG is one with the Filipino people in remembering our deceased loved ones in the coming All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Days.  During the pandemic, we are asking for the people’s cooperation by not going to the cemeteries, staying at home on October 29 to November 4 and visiting their departed relatives days before or weeks after the closure,”  he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS