Police have deployed to this public cemetery in Olongapo City as residents visit their loved ones’ graves ahead of the schedule of closure ordered by the city government. PHOTO BY JOANNA ROSE AGLIBOT
OLONGAPO CITY—Residents have started visiting the graves of their dead relatives earlier than usual after the city government ordered the closure of cemeteries on Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 to prevent the spread of COVID cases during the celebration of Undas, a time when Filipinos pay homage to their dead loved ones.
Police have already been deployed to the city’s cemeteries and columbaria to enforce minimum health protocols as residents began to flock to these areas starting on Tuesday (Oct. 27).
According to Mayor Rolen Paulino, visits to cemeteries and columbaria are allowed only from Oct. 26 to 28 and Nov. 3 to 5 from 6 a.m to 5 p.m.
During these dates, only 30 percent of the cemeteries’ capacity would be allowed to fill to avoid crowding.
Minors below 16 years old are also prohibited from accompanying adults visiting the cemeteries.