Mandaue police gear up for All Saints holiday

MANDAUE City police yesterday finalized security preparations for the annual All Saints and All Souls Day observance in the city.

Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac, Mandaue City police chief, said K-9 dogs and Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) personnel inspected bus terminals and public and private cemeteries to secure the populace visiting their departed loved ones.

He said the police will monitor the presence of thieves and violators of the alcohol ban in the city’s eight cemeteries.

As early as last Friday, vendors have set up shop in anticipation of the stream of visitors.

Judy Abella, a 45-year-old vendor of Maguikay, Mandaue City said while the prices of flowers go up every year, candle vendros like her have to settle for less due to their shortage of materials.

She also helps her husband in making “lapida” or tombstone which is priced at P2,000 to P3,000.

Wilfredo Pacana, a 39-year-old resident of barangay Inayawan, Cebu City rents light bulbs for P200 from Nov. 1 to 2 starting at 5:30 p.m until 5 a.m.

He said he pays 10 people to help him at P300 a day for 500 bulbs.

Others like 70-year-old Felisa Bransuela, of barangay Labogon, Mandaue City earn her keep by praying the novena for persons at P50 per “session.” Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza