DILG urges LGUs to ensure no mass gathering in cemeteries during Undas

 By: Emmanuel D. Taghoy

 

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 26 (PIA) - It's no 'trick or treat' as the need to avoid mass gatherings and continued enforcement of the COVID-19 protocols remain a priority for local government units especially in the upcoming observance of Undas.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued an advisory recently, enjoining all LGUs to adapt and implement ordinances, executive orders, or resolutions restricting access to cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria for a period of five days, from October 29 to November 2, 2021.

 

The advisory addressed to provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays emphasized strict compliance to minimum public health standards.

 

"While cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria may be open on other dates, visitors shall be limited to ten (10) persons per group. The maximum venue capacity of 30% (or 50% if provided by or allowed through an LGU declaration) shall likewise be observed," it reads.

 

Moreover, the conduct of wakes, necrological services, funerals, interment, cremation, and inurnment during the five-day period shall be governed by the applicable protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

 

LGUs are also encouraged to coordinate with their respective local Philippine National Police (PNP) to implement the restrictions and ensure peace and order during the observance of Undas.

 

Similarly, Punong Barangays were advised to direct their respective Barangay Tanods and Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO) to assist the police.

 

Some LGUs in Zamboanga Peninsula region, such as Zamboanga City had already issued an Executive Order with guidelines for the safe observance of cemetery visits, both in public and private burial sites. (RVC/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)