Iloilo City cemeteries off-limits to public during ‘Undas’

Cemeteries in Iloilo City will be closed to the general public during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day this year.

Mayor Jerry Trenas issued an executive order (EO) on Thursday, Sept. 10, “imposing an interim closure of all [public and private] cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaries” in the city from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.

Trenas cited the General Welfare Clause of the Local Government Code, which states that “every local shall within their territorial jurisdictions promote promote health and safety of its residents.”

The EO will be imposed by the Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO), Public Safety and Traffic Management Office (PSTMO), and the Iloilo City COVID-19 Compliance Team.

“The Philippine National Police (PNP) and barangay officials, where the public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaries are located shall augment the forces of the Iloilo City Government personnel,” EO No. 144 stated.

All persons who will defy the order “will face appropriate and/or criminal charges.”IMT

Photo of Jaro Public Cemetery by RMN-Iloilo