As the nation prepares to visit departed loved ones this Undas, the Manila Police District (MPD) has urged parents to keep children and pets at home, warning that overcrowded cemeteries pose serious health and safety risks.
In an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, MPD spokesperson Maj. Phillip Ines said cemeteries in Manila are expected to be packed with visitors starting October 31.
Ines reminded the public of safety protocols and prohibited items.
‘Alcoholic beverages are not allowed, as well as deadly weapons and loudspeakers. Overnight stays and vending are also prohibited,’ he said in Filipino.
‘We also appeal to the public not to bring pets, as they might become stressed inside the cemeteries due to the large crowds,’ he added.
He explained that animals could easily become agitated by the noise, heat, and congestion inside cemeteries.
Ines also urged parents not to bring small children unless necessary.
‘We are appealing to parents; if possible, please don’t bring your children,’ he said in Filipino.
He added that children brought to cemeteries will be given identification tags bearing their parents’ or guardians’ contact information to help authorities reunite them if they get lost.
Ines also said that prohibited items will be strictly confiscated as part of the MPD protocol.
‘We’ve long been reminding the public not to bring the items we mentioned. If they still do, we will confiscate them,’ he said in Filipino.
The MPD will also deploy medical teams and health personnel, in coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and nearby hospitals, to respond to emergencies.
‘We already have a security plan identifying nearby hospitals for each location-the Manila North, South, La Loma, and Chinese cemeteries,’ he said.
Ines reminded the public to follow cemetery regulations, plan visits early, and prioritize safety-especially by leaving children and pets at home during the annual observance