ILOILO City – Those playing loud music and bringing and drinking liquor in cemeteries on Nov. 1 (All Saints’ Day) and Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day) will be apprehended, according to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
“Let us be considerate and sensitive to others. Let us keep these days sacred and special,” said Superintendent Jonathan Pablito, chief of Police Station 1.
Filipinos traditionally visit the graves of dead relatives on the first two days of November.
“If possible go (to the cemetery) early so you can go home early,” said Pablito.
ICPO’s goal is to keep Nov. 1 and 2 peaceful and orderly most especially in cemeteries, public and private.
“We remind ang aton citizens nga bawal ang inom, bawal ang bladed weapons. Loud music will also be prohibited in cemeteries,” said Pablito.
ICPO is welcoming volunteers and help from other government agencies, especially in crowd management.
“We ask everyone to please cooperate,” said Pablito.
One problem being anticipated is traffic congestion in roads leading to cemeteries.
“If there are away sa parking, please kalma lang tayo. If you’re late, please don’t expect na may paparkan ka pa na malapit. Doon ka na sa malayo,” said Pablito.
He was not sure yet if backpacks would be banned, too, from cemeteries but certainly, he said, bags of people entering cemeteries would be thoroughly inspected.
During the 2017 observance of Halloween, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) came out with a list of what the public should avoid to ensure their security:
* Do not bring deadly or bladed weapons, loud speakers, and gambling paraphernalia.
* Drivers should not be under the influence of illegal drugs and alcohol.
* Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
* Avoid bringing big amounts of money.
* No gambling.
* No drugs.
* No liquor.
* No deadly weapons.
* No loud music.
The PRO-6 also suggested that people not leave notes outside their houses indicating they would be away.
Keep some appliances like the radio on to give the impression that someone is inside the house to discourage criminals from striking, it said./PN
