Crackdown on unlicensed funeral parlors in Central Luzon sought

ANGELES CITY, Philippines – Legitimate owners and operators of mortuaries in various parts of Central Luzon met here yesterday to unite against the proliferation of unlicensed funeral operators, who employ underage embalmers and use unsanitary methods of embalming.

“These illegitimate embalmers do their work even under trees and just dump the wastes into any digging or even creeks,” said Mario Cruz, one of the organizers of the Northern Mortuariess Association.

“We are appealing to the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) against such unlicensed mortuaries which have mushroomed in many areas north of Metro Manila,” he said.

He said some manufacturers of coffins, also provide mortuary services to their buyers, even without applying for the necessary permits from the DOH and DTI.

“Some of these unlicensed mortuaries embalm anywhere, even under trees. They also do it in the homes of the deceased which is not allowed by law,” he said.