Chan to probe cemetery issues

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan will look into the health issues, secret burials, and other concerns involving the city's cemetery.

This, after he personally saw cracks in some of the tombs, smelt the stench at the cemetery and after receiving complaints of excessive burial fees involving some barangay personnel.

Chan had earlier summoned to his office last Thursday the complainants and those tagged as the ones who built the substandard tombs.

“Di ta gusto mabutang sa peligro, kay simbako mobigay, magkatag ang patay’ng lawas sa inyohang gilubong.  Ikaduha makadaot sa atoang environment, sa palibot niana sa lumolupyo, unsang motumaw nga sakit ug magtakud-takod,” the mayor explained to the complainants.

In his inspection last Wednesday, the mayor saw some tombs that were not properly done, bore no names, and are not properly sealed despite the fact that one of those buried was a COVID-19 case.

Chan also learned that about P11,000 to P19,000 were charged as burial fees without an official receipt.

A family of an OFW was reportedly charged about P25,000 to P30,000 for a poorly-made tomb.

“Nanimaho na ang menteryo, nahadlok ang mga lumolupyo.  Ilang huna-huna ang gipanglubong diha kargado COVID,” the mayor said in a statement.

He added that there are burials made at night as well as the burning of the remains of those exhumed.

“So posible kadtong mga hinabwa siguro nga wa madugmok, mao to’y gisunog,” the mayor said.

Chan added that one should get clearance from City Health.

“Mao na nga makigtagbo ta sa Department of Health kung ingon ani nga nangalubong na ug dili selyado ang maong lubnganan.  Kinahanglan gyud na manubag ang nagsugo ani sa pagpalubong,” Chan  said.

Chan showed a copy of a certification of Gun-ob Barangay Captain Eleoanar Fontanoza that allowed the burial in the public cemetery.

“Unsa may gahom ug katungod sa kapitan sa Barangay Gun-ob nga mosugo man siya, motugot man siya sa pagpalubong? Kay kung nakahibawo pa mi nga naa pay area nga lubnganan diha, makahimo ta og nitso nga atong i-5-story para mapasayon ang pagpalubong, unya klaro pud nga ni-follow pud ta sa health and safety protocol sa IATF,” Chan added.  GAN (FREEMAN)