Locals visit their departed loved ones at Manila North Cemetery in this file photo taken on October 29, 2023. INQUIRER.net/ TETCH TORRES TUPAS
MANILA, Philippines — No untoward incident was reported so far as of Wednesday evening at the Manila North Cemetery for the “Undas” 2024, the Philippine National Police command post in Manila said.
According to the police, as of Wednesday 6 p.m., around 5,000 visitors flocked to Manila North Cemetery to pay their respects to their departed loved ones.
“Peaceful and no untoward incident as of this [moment],” Lt. Bonifacio Mamano Jr., team leader of the PNP Advance Command Post, told INQUIRER.net.
READ: Manila North Cemetery ready for Undas 2024, says mayor
Mamano also said that they did not receive any threat to security within the premises of the cemetery.
“Right now, security is tight. It will still be tight tomorrow. It’s difficult; we might get breached,” Mamano said in Filipino.
Further, Lt. Col. Leandro Gutierrez, of the PNP command post in Manila, also told INQUIRER.net about the strict security measures they are implementing around the cemetery. He said that baggage inspection is done upon entry and prohibited items are being confiscated.
“Upon entrance, all corners have a police assistance desk with one officer and 20 sergeants. There are also roaming operatives like motorcycle riders,” Gutierrez said in Filipino.
READ: Roads surrounding Manila North Cemetery closed for ‘Undas’
The city government of Manila previously informed the public that the following are prohibited inside the cemetery:
- Vendors
- Firearms and sharp objects
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pets
- Guitars, loud sound systems
- Flammable materials, cigarettes, lighters
- Tarpaulins of private or political groups
For this year’s Undas schedule, Manila North Cemetery will be open to the public on Wednesday, October 30 to Sunday, November 3 from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.