Pilar town defies DILG order, opens cemeteries

CEBU, Philippines —  While most local government units in the country are complying with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) directive to close all public and private cemeteries from October 29 to November 2, the municipality of Pilar in Camotes Island will allow its residents to visit their departed loved ones on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

In an Executive Order dated October 26, 2021, Pilar Mayor Manuel Santiago is allowing all the public and private cemeteries in the town to “open with restrictions” from October 30 to November 2, 2021.

“…in conformity with the DILG Advisory dated October 25, 2021 Re: Upcoming Observance of UNDAS, by the power vested in me by law, do hereby order all the Public and Private Cemeteries of Pilar “OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS” from October 30, 2021 to November 2, 2021,” read Santiago’s EO.

The mayor, however, said that “social distancing” and “mass gathering” should be strictly observed to prevent spreading the virus of COVID-19.

Santiago’s EO appeared inconsistent to the DILG advisory, which categorically ordered all local chief executives to close all the cemeteries within their jurisdictions on the dates specified in the advisory. 

He, however, explained that the decision to open the cemeteries was reached upon consultation with the chief of police and the local DILG officer. Santiago said he was also guided by the statement made by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia that she is giving the mayors the discretion to decide whether or not to close their cemeteries.

The mayor said the town also has very low incidents of COVID-19. He said their active cases are now below 10.

Santiago said he will leave to the police the enforcement of social distancing and no mass gathering.

“I will leave it sa atong mga police ang sa crowd control kay sila man na ang naa sa ground mismo,” Santiago told The Freeman.

Pilar town has several cemeteries located in Barangays Monserat, Moabog, Lanao, Dapdap and Upper Poblacion.

Meanwhile, Moalboal town has recalled an earlier announcement allowing the cemeteries to open from October 29 to November 2. The local government clarified that it is now complying with the DILG advisory.

Cemeteries will be closed starting today until November 2. Those who have yet to visit their departed loved ones may do so starting on November 3.

 “Gihangyo ang kadaghanan sa pag-plano sa pagbisita sa sementeryo. Gitugutan makasulod ang tanan (vaccinated and unvaccinated) apan hugot nga ipatuman ang mga lakang sa pag kontrol sa katawhan og ang kamanduan sama sa social distancing, pagsul-ob og face mask, regular nga paghugas sa mga kamot o pag gamit sa alcohol,“ read the advisory posted on the official Facebook page of Moalboal town. — FPL (FREEMAN)