THE municipal government of Minglanilla, southern Cebu will allow its residents visiting the public and private cemeteries in the town to stay for only an hour.
Minglanilla police officials said the cemeteries will be closed during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on November 1 and 2, 2021 to prevent mass gatherings in cemeteries.
However, visitors may visit their departed loved ones outside of these dates.
“We limit the number of people who can enter, and then we also limit the number of hours you can stay inside … The agreed maximum is only about one hour to give time to others so it can’t be too long,” said Police Maj. William Homoc, Minglanilla police chief, on Friday, October 15, 2021.
Aside from police, barangay personnel will also be on standby in public and private cemeteries in order to regulate the number of persons entering there.
Homoc said he plans to deploy 138 uniformed personnel who will enforce the rules from October 29 to November 3.
Prohibitions
Homoc requested the public to follow security protocols while inside cemeteries, including not carrying sharp objects or weapons.
Noise making, eating and alcohol drinking are also prohibited inside cemeteries.
“You can make offerings to your dead loved ones, but you can’t eat inside anymore. It’s the same with drinking,” Homoc added.
Since all cemeteries in the town will be closed on November 1 and 2, Homoc advised visitors to start visiting their departed loved ones in the weeks before the two-day observance. (ANV, JKV)