Manila South Cemetery visitors nearly 37,000 as of All Saints’ Day noon

FILE PHOTO: The cleanup of cemeteries across the country, like here at the Manila South Cemetery in Makati on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, has begun for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day this Friday (November 1) and Saturday (November 2). INQUIRER/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila South Cemetery was visited by around 37,000 people as of noon of All Saints’ Day, according to estimates of the Philippine National Police (PNP) command post.

Police Staff Sergeant Jericho Carrera, team leader of the PNP command post at the Manila South Cemetery, also reported a generally peaceful situation in the area as of Friday noon.

Manila South Cemetery Director Henry Dy previously told INQUIRER.net they were expecting at least 500,000 people to visit the site for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Police said 164 PNP personnel, 78 local government personnel, including a chapter of the Red Cross, and 125 members of volunteer groups from both Manila and Makati City were deployed at the 25-hectare cemetery for “Undas 2024.”

Carrera likewise said that four ambulances, two fire trucks, and one service vehicle were on standby to assist visitors of the cemetery if needed.

READ: Data show fires rise during Undas: How to stay safe

Carrera added that as of Friday noon, they already confiscated 199 lighters and 384 cigarettes from visitors. He reminded the public that Manila South Cemetery prohibits the following:

• Firearms and anything sharp like knives and cutters
• Alcohol or any alcoholic beverages
• Pet animals such as dogs and cats
• Guitars and loud sound systems
• Flammable materials like rubbing alcohol and thinner
• Cigarettes and lighters, in line with a smoking ban

READ: Cemetery as a home: Caretakers find purpose in cleaning graves

To help ease traffic flow around the Manila South Cemetery, the Manila city government closed portions of Vito Cruz Avenue, South Avenue, Kalayaan Avenue and Pililla Street to vehicles and designated them for exclusive pedestrian use until 12 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The Manila South Cemetery is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Wednesday, Oct. 30 to Sunday, Nov. 3.