MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday reminded the public not to smoke in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria during All Saints’ Day or “Undas,” saying that all local government units (LGU) in the National Capital Region (NCR) metropolis prohibit it.
“All LGUs in NCR do not allow smoking in specific public places including cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria,” MMDA Acting Chairman Carlo Dimayuga III said in a statement.
A fine ranging from P500 to P5,000 awaits violators in Metro Manila, according to Dimayuga.
“People paying respect 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.
Neomie Recio, acting head of MMDA Health, Public Safety and Environmental Protection Office, also urged the public to comply with other health regulations and requirements imposed for COVID-19.
“We encourage the public to comply with the guidelines on visiting cemeteries as the threat of the pandemic is still here,” Recio said.
—Kristelle Anne Razon, INQUIRER.net trainee
READ: Undas 2022: What to keep in mind when joining crowds in cemeteries, columbaria