HUNDREDS of thousands of Filipinos trooped to the Manila North Cemetery to visit and pay respect to their departed loved ones on All Saints’ Day, November 1.
Crowd estimates at the cemetery has reached 690,000 as of 12 p.m., according to the Manila Police District (MPD). Long lines are still being seen at the entrance.
There were several visitors who arrived at the area even before the main gate opened at 5 a.m.
The Manila North Cemetery management previously announced that the main gate will be opened to the public from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. from October 30 to November 2.
It also listed the items prohibited inside the cemetery from October 26 to November 2. The list includes alcoholic beverages, flammable materials (paint, thinners, etc.), firearms and any sharp objects (knife, cutter, etc.), videoke or any sound system that will cause loud sounds, and deck cards or any kind of gambling.
Pets, vendors, and vehicles are also not allowed inside the premises.
Despite these reminders, prohibited items were still confiscated from visitors on October 31. These items include lighters, cigarettes, sharp objects, and alcoholic beverages.
Tight security measures have been implemented as Filipinos continue to flock to the cemetery.
National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., MPD Director Police Col. Arnold Thomas Ibay, and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos conducted an inspection at the cemetery on Tuesday, October 31, to ensure order and safety in the area.
Meanwhile, the cemetery’s management and the Manila City government provided free rides and wheelchairs for senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities who were visiting their departed loved ones.
Courage of saints, deceased
As the country commemorates All Saints’ Day on Wednesday, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. urged Filipinos to remember the courage that saints and their departed loved ones demonstrated when they faced challenges.
“As we celebrate the saints’ staunch devotion and the legacies of those who have gone before us, let us reflect on our purpose and our unceasing need for God’s guidance,” he said in a statement.
“At the same time, let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed have shown amidst their plight so that we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world,” he added.
Marcos hopes that the examples of faith that Filipinos’ forebears showed would “bind us all in appreciating the joy of leading a virtuous life here on earth as well as in recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.”
The chief executive and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos visited the tomb of former President Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to reflect on the saints’ faith and devotion to God on All Saints’ Day.
“[P]ray that their blessedness will guide us down the path where we are called to serve the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the dying,” she said.
She also encouraged the public to pray for the country’s continued strength and healing.
“Let us pray for protection against calamities, disasters, wars, and forces that may threaten our unity and cause human suffering or death,” Duterte added.
