Caloocan bishop warns public on bogus priests

The Diocese of Caloocan warned the public yesterday against bogus priests servicing the faithful even as City Mayor Enrico Echiverri reminded everyone that the ban on liquor, gambling, carrying of deadly weapons and loud, blaring music in the city’s seven cemeteries will be strictly enforced on All Saints’ Day.

Most Rev. Deogracias Iniguez Jr., DD, Bishop of Caloocan, said authorized and accredited ministers and clerics from the diocese will be available for religious services including the blessing of tombs and niches, prayer requests and masses for the departed.

The bishop also advised the public to coordinate with the diocesan staff who would be present at the four "tent chapels" that will be erected at the La Loma Catholic Cemetry.

The bishop will also be celebrating Mass at 6 p.m. tomorrow in front of the basketball court at the La Loma Catholic Cemetery (LLCC).

A tent chapel would be set up each at the basketball court, at the cannon area near Gate 1, at the back of the old chapel and another on Road 13 to accommodate as many faithful as possible.

Authorities said pedestrians will be allowed entrance and exit through Gates 1, 2 and 3 as ladders along the LLCC walls will no longer be allowed.

Today, vehicles will be allowed to enter Gates 1 and 3 and exit through Gate 2. No vehicles will be allowed to enter the LLCC premises on Nov 1.

All vehicles may park on MMDA-designated areas along C-3 Road, authorities advised.

In his executive order, Echiverri enjoined the public to refrain from engaging in the banned activities or face the law.

The mayor has ordered the city police and the Reformed Department of Public Safety and Traffic Management (RDPSTM) to deploy additional law and traffic enforcers within the cemetery premises.

Caloocan City has four public cemeteries including Tala Public Cemetery, Sangandaan Public Cemetery, Bagbaguin Cemetery and La Loma, which is shared with Manila and Quezon City residents. The rest are privately owned and managed, namely: Serenity, Eternal Gardens and Forest Park.