Manila cemeteries closed due to Paeng

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Manila closed its public cemeteries yesterday due to the threat of Tropical Storm Paeng this weekend.

Paeng could spoil the observance of Undas, the Filipino tradition of visits to the dead during All Saints’ and Souls’ Days, as it is set to make landfall and traverse Luzon during the weekend.

The Manila North and South Cemeteries, among the largest in the country, were closed as of 5 p.m. yesterday, according to city public information office chief Princess Abante.

The city government would wait for an update on the storm signal today and Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan’s announcement, she said in a Viber message.

In an advisory Lacuna-Pangan initially released to the media yesterday, she said the city government was inclined to shut the city’s public cemeteries once Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) Number 2 was raised over Metro Manila due to Paeng.

The decision was “to ensure the safety of visitors in cemeteries,” she noted.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration placed Metro Manila under TCWS Number 2 in its 5 p.m. advisory yesterday.

Residents in the region should expect “gale-force winds” within 24 hours that could pose “minor to moderate threat to life and property.”

The city government earlier announced the two city-run cemeteries would accept visitors from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting today until Nov. 2.

Lacuna-Pangan has ordered the city government to prepare the evacuation sites, relief goods and emergency equipment as it anticipates Paeng’s possible damage to the city, Abante said.

11,666 troops to secure Metro Manila

Meanwhile, at least 11,666 security forces will secure Metro Manila during Undas, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said yesterday.

NCRPO director Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo said the security contingent consists of police officers, soldiers and personnel from other government agencies, advocacy groups and force multipliers.

They will secure 128 cemeteries and columbaria in Metro Manila, which are expected to be packed with visitors as COVID-19 restrictions have been eased, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4.

“Let us commemorate our deceased loved ones and be with them solemnly on their graves,” Estomo said in a statement.

MMDA: Avoid smoking

The public should refrain from smoking while visiting cemeteries during Undas, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) warned yesterday.

Local governments in Metro Manila have their respective anti-smoking ordinances and formed smoke-free task forces, according to MMDA acting chairman Carlo Dimayuga III.

He declared those caught smoking in cemeteries, as well as other public areas, will pay fines ranging from P500 to P5,000.

“People paying respects to their deceased loved ones may be exposed to tobacco smoke. Hence, anti-smoking policies will be strictly enforced for this year’s Undas,” Dimayuga added. – Emmanuel Tupas