Thousands flock to cemeteries to remember their dead

DAY FOR THE DEAD. Filipinos flock to the cemeteries in Metro Manila to visit their dearly departed on Thursday, All Saints’ Day, as the PNP, led by Director General Nicanor Bartolome, ensure public safety. Video and interviews taken by INQUIRER.net’s Noy Morcoso III

MANILA, Philippines—Thousands of Filipinos flocked to cemeteries Thursday to pay their respects to their dead as the country observes All Saints’ Day, a Philippine National Police official said.

Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said that as of 10 a.m., the crowd at Eternal Garden was estimated to be around 20,000, while 5,000 others were at the Sangandaaan Cemetery.

In Loyola Memorial Cemetery, Cerbo said the Eastern Police District estimated the crowd to be at around 2,800.

Under the Manila Police District, Cerbo said 200,000 people trooped to the Manila North Cemetery; 15,000 the Manila South Cemetery; 2,500 at the Laloma Cemetery; and 1,500 at the Chinese Cemetery.

Police said that as of 9 a.m., authorities guarding the Manila North Cemetery have confiscated 93 pieces of knives, and other bladed items; 71 flammable materials; five stereos, and a playing card.

At the Manila South Cemetery, on the other hand, police were said to have confiscated 26 flammable materials and two bladed weapons.

Meanwhile, the crowd estimate at the Manila Memorial Park and the Libingan ng mga Bayani was placed at 20,000; 13,000 at the Loyola Memorial Park, 18,000 at the Manila Catholic Cemetery; and 500 at the Heritage Memorial Park—all under the Southern Police District.

In Quezon City, Cerbo said Baesa, and Himlayang Pilipino cemeteries have around 15,000 visitors, while the Holy Cruz cemetery has 4,000.

Cerbo said no untoward incidents have been reported so far.

A total of 10,183 Road Safety Marshals were deployed throughout the country to ensure a peaceful and orderly observance of this year’s All Saints’ Day and Friday’s All Souls’ Day.