What visitors to Manila North Cemetery should leave at home for Undas

MANILA — Authorities are tightening the implementation of rules as crowds gather at Manila North Cemetery for the Undas weekend, when around 2 million are expected to visit their dead. 

Starting Wednesday, October 27, painting, cleaning, and repair work inside the cemetery are prohibited.

Daniel Tan, cemetery director, said they are confiscating cleaning materials people try to bring in.

“Binibigyan namin sila ng stub na pwede nilang makuha ulit,” he said.

(We give them stubs so they can claim them later.)

Firearms, objects with sharp edges, alcoholic drinks, pets, guitars, flammable objects are also prohibited.

Gambling and overnight camping are also not allowed in the cemetery.

Cemetery visitors are encouraged to use the Online Puntod Finder on the cemetery website to locate 400,000 graves.

Cemetery management has also prepared 50,000 identification wristbands, particularly for visitors bringing children.

Tan said the public — especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities — is encouraged to visit early to avoid large crowds and inconvenience.

“Sana pumunta na sila nang maaga, lalo na ngayon puwedeng makapasok mga sasakyan,” he said.

(I hope they come early, while vehicles can still come in.)

The cemetery will be open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. from October 29 to November 2. Regular operations will resume on November 3.

As All Saints’ Day falls on a Sunday, Manila North Cemetery is expected to draw 2 million visitors throughout the week leading up to the observance, Police BGen. Arnold Santiago, Manila Police District director, said.

Tight security measures are already being implemented, with PNP personnel deployed in the area and help desks on standby to assist visitors.

Santiago said he has coordinated with local government unit personnel on searching people entering the cemetery. Police will also be stationed around the perimeter to keep contraband out.