Chinese cemetery cleanup seen to also clear ‘drug problem’

CEBU, Philippines —  While clearing the Chinese cemetery in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City is a huge challenge for the barangay, knowing that some residents are adamant to transfer, such clearing is, nevertheless, expected to eliminate one more thing there – the problem of illegal drugs.

Cemeteries have been a favorite spot to transact illegal business among criminals, and the Chinese cemetery is not an exception to this reputation.

Thus, Carreta barangay captain Marciano Ando said that the planned clearing of the Chinese cemetery is expected to usher in not just a clean but also possibly a drug-free community.

Ahead of the clearing, the Cebu City Hall’s Division of Welfare of the Urban Poor is expected to reconcile its assessment with that of the barangay.

Ramil Ayuman, the special assistant to the mayor, said that DWUP records show about 220 residents living in the area. The data from the barangay show more residents at over 300.

Ando expressed his gratitude to the City Hall for looking after the welfare of the Chinese cemetery.

He said clearing the cemetery of garbage is a big help as it has been used as a “dumpsite” by the locals.

Ando, however, looks forward to the conversion of the said cemetery into a heritage site so it will already be free of drugs.

Ando shared that people have been in and out of the cemetery, allegedly for some illegal drug activity. — JMD (FREEMAN)