Liquor, bladed weapons banned in Albay cemeteries

LEGAZPI CITY — The Albay government on Tuesday banned liquor, weapons, and hazardous items inside the cemeteries as crowds of people were expected to visit their departed a week leading to All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.

Gov. Noel Rosal also encouraged the public to visit the cemeteries early to avoid overcrowding while maintaining minimum health protocols.

Rosal also advised local officials and agencies to monitor their respective areas during All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.

Fr. Paulo Barandon, parish priest in Ligao City, reminded the public to use face masks because of the expected large number of visitors this year as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said they would deploy 4,617 personnel to ensure peace and order in the provinces.

Calubaquib said joining the police are 5,154 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and advocacy support groups in securing the 291 cemeteries in the region.

In a statement, Brigadier General Rudolph Dimas, Bicol police chief, said they prepared early to give way to people expected to flock to cemeteries.

“This year will be different; we are expecting an influx of people in the cemeteries and memorial parks to do their usual traditions in remembering their departed loved ones. That is why we have exhausted all means possible to make this the safest ‘Undas’ after the pandemic,” he said in a statement.

About 276 police assistance desks and command posts would be established in strategic areas to enforce the ban on firearms, bladed weapons, drinking of alcohol, gambling, loud music, and other such activities.

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