During All Saints’ Day and Souls’ Day: Moalboal to defy DILG on closure of cemeteries

CEBU, Philippines —  Despite order from Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año that all cemeteries in the country must be closed from October 29 to November 2, the Municipality of Moalboal will allow its residents to observe the Filipino tradition of visiting their departed loved ones during All Saints’ Day and Souls’ Day.

 The local government posted on Facebook the announcement that all public and private cemeteries will be open on these dates albeit for vaccinated residents only.

"Oktubre 31 hangtud November 2, 2021 gitugutan lamang nga makasulod ang mga vaccinated o bakunado sa COVID-19. Kinahanglan magdala og Vaccination Card (okay ra ang 1st dose) para makasulod sa sementeryo," read the announcement posted to the LGU’s Facebook page on October 20, 2021.

Unvaccinated residents may visit the cemeteries ahead since these will be open starting from November 27. Visitors are urged to observe the health protocols like wearing of mask and social distancing.

Año ordered to close all cemeteries nationwide during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission as it is on these occasions that people traditionally troop and stay for long periods of time at cemeteries to be with their departed family members.

According to the DILG, the public may visit cemeteries before October 29 or after November 2 but stressed that visitors must be limited to 10 persons per group.

Resolution No. 72 of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) only allows cemeteries to accommodate up to 30 percent of their capacity. Local government units, however, are given the discretion to increase to 50 percent provided that minimum health standards are observed to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Meanwhile, the city government of Bogo has announced that all cemeteries in the city will be closed from October 29 to November 2 in compliance with the DILG directive.

 The public will be allowed to visit departed loved ones from October 23 to 28 and from November 3 to 8. Cemeteries will be open from 6 am to 6 pm but only 50 people at a time will be allowed to enter.

 "Gidili sab una gihapon ang pagdala og mga pagkaon o ilimnon nga makamugna og salo-salo. Lakip na sab sa gidili mao ang pagpamaligya og buwak, kandila, ug mga ilimnon sulod sa 100 metros duol sa menteryo," the city government said.

Violators will be slapped with at least P1,500 fine. — FPL (FREEMAN)