The Manila North and South Cemetery is closed to visitors, who want to go to the graves of their departed loved ones, due to Severe Tropical Storm Paeng according to an advisory by the Manila Public Information Office.
In a report by RH Mae Binauahan, there were people who came early to the cemeteries despite the after effects brought about by ‘Paeng’ but were surprised after seeing the Undas advisory at the entrance.
Based on the advisory seen at the front of Manila North Cemetery, Manila Mayor Honey-Pangan ordered that all public cemeteries in the City of Manila, Manila-North and Manila-South Cemeteries shall remain closed on October 30, Sunday.
The visitors were dismayed to know that the cemeteries were closed, since they came from the province and wanted to visit their loved ones who passed away.
In an interview with Christian Maño and Nicole Lopez at DZRH Huntahan, “As early as 10pm kagabi habang nasa Signal No.3 pa ang ating weather, nagdeklara na ng close ang mga public cemeteries sa Maynila. Pero ngayon I understand na Signal No. 1 na tayo, it will still remain closed until the end of the day kasi kinukuha rin itong opportunity to make sure na malinis maayos…..ngayon nag checheck po sila ng potential na mga tumumba na puno, mga debri na naiwan.” said by Attorney Princess Abante who is the Spokesperson of the Manila Local Government.
(As early as 10pm, last night, while our weather is under Signal No. 3, the public cemeteries of Manila declared temporary closure. But now, I understand that we are now in Signal No. 1, it will still remain closed until the end of the day because this is also an opportunity to make sure that it is clean and secured……now they are checking if there are trees that have fallen or debris that were left.”
“May mga areas sa South Cemetery na baha pa kaya mas mainam din for the safety of everyone. Alam ko marami ang excited talaga na makadalo sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay para po, masiguro natin na maayos at magiging ligtas bisita ng mga pamilya sa kanilang mga namayapang mahal sa buhay.”, she added.
(There are areas in South Cemetery that are still flooded so it is better for the safety of everyone. I know that there are a lot who are excited to visit their departed loved ones. Let’s make sure that the visit of the families to their loved ones who have passed away is orderly and safe.)
There is no advisory yet on when the cemeteries will open again.
Last October 29, Saturday, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna also ordered the 2 public cemeteries to temporarily close since Metro Manila was raised to Signal No. 3, however, there were still a lot of people who wanted to enter the cemeteries even though there were strong winds and rainfall.
