Parañaque bans youth gatherings, loitering in cemeteries for Undas

MANILA — The Parañaque City government has prohibited youth gatherings and loitering in cemeteries as part of tightened security measures for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, an official said Friday.= 

City Administrator Ding Soriano said the policy aims to prevent a repeat of last year’s riot involving two youth groups inside Himlayang Palanyag, also known as the Parañaque Public Cemetery.

“May mga pre-emptive scenarios tayo na baka magiinuman lang ‘yan, and then magkakaroon ng mga konting hindi angkop doon sa pag-celebrate ng ating Undas — that’s the point,” he told ABS-CBN News in a telephone interview.

Soriano said authorities will monitor the activities of young people inside the cemeteries and flag those found loitering or gathering in groups.

They will only be allowed inside if they are visiting their deceased loved ones.

“Ang atin ho dito ay ma-premempt natin, ma-avert natin ang any possible na untoward incident na mangyayari,” Soriano said. 

The city government has also prohibited musical instruments, particularly loudspeakers and karaoke equipment, inside cemeteries.

Bringing sharp objects and any type of weapon is likewise prohibited. 

Around 1,600 personnel, including police officers, Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, city health workers, disaster risk reduction and management personnel, public safety officers, barangay tanods, and other force multipliers, have been deployed to ensure a safe, secure, and orderly observance of Undas.

The deployment covers all four cemeteries in the city: Manila Memorial Park, Loyola Memorial Park, Himlayang Palanyag, and Parañaque Catholic Cemetery.