Security beefed up in Manila North Cemetery

KEEPING ORDERItems confiscated from visitors at Manila North Cemetery on the eve of All Saints’ Day. —RICHARD A. REYES

Around 2 million people are expected to visit the Manila North Cemetery this weekend to pay respects to their departed.

According to District Director Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, the Manila Police District will deploy around 1,300 personnel to the four Manila cemeteries—the Manila North and South cemeteries and privately owned Laloma and Chinese cemeteries.

“The MPD is efficient and we agreed that the NCRPO will not provide additional support unless asked,” National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas said.

A curfew for minors and a ban on drinking in public places will be strictly implemented.

The city government said vendors will be “regulated.” Those selling flowers and candles will be designated right outside the main entrance of the cemetery. Last year, fast-food chains opened popups inside the cemetery.

A total of 100 e-tricycles will also be deployed to transport senior citizens and persons with disabilities around the cemetery. Wheelchairs will also be available.

Surveillance cameras will also be installed in the cemetery and the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office will have a mobile command center to monitor this area.

Explaining relocation

Meanwhile, Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso explained to reporters on Friday why informal settlers from Manila North Cemetery had to be relocated.

“They should even thank the city government because in the two decades that they lived here they did not pay rent or utilities, thanks to the City of Manila,” Domagoso said during an inspection of the cemetery on the eve of All Saints’ Day.

An estimated 4,000 had been occupying the 54-hectare cemetery. On Oct. 10, in preparation for All Saints’ Day, the city government began demolishing shanties and other obstructions built on top of tombs.

Domagoso said informal settlers were offered cash assistance, adding that the city government will help these families avail themselves of the “Balik Probinsya” Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We just need to restore order,” the mayor said.