November 01, 2023
Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Tuesday (October 31) urged the public to observe Undas 2023 with solemnity and mark it as a day for remembering and praying for their departed loved ones, and avoid drinking sprees and causing chaos in cemeteries.
“It is our culture to remember our loved ones. Gawin natin itong araw ng pagdarasal. Huwag po nating gawin itong magulong okasyon tulad ng inuman,” Abalos said as he led the conduct of inspection in Manila North Cemetery and La Loma Catholic Cemetery on Tuesday morning.
He also reminded the public to observe established rules while visiting the cemeteries that include prohibiting the bringing of deadly weapons and intoxicating drinks.
Also not allowed are gambling, playing loud music, smoking or vaping, and staying overnight in the cemeteries.
As a precaution, Abalos also advised the public to get the phone numbers of the local public assistance desks for them to immediately call for help in case of emergencies.
During his visit to the cemeteries, Abalos commended the local government units of Manila and Caloocan City , the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (PNP) for adequately preparing for Undas 2023, despite their tight schedules due to the just concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
“Kahit busy sa eleksyon may na-deploy pa rin tayong mga pulis at bumbero rito. I congratulate the City Government of Manila and Caloocan, the PNP, and the BFP na walang pahinga,” Abalos added.
The City Government of Manila expects some 1.2 million visitors to flock to the Manila North Cemetery this year.
This developed as Abalos, through DILG Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2023-157, also called on all local government officials throughout the country to ensure safe and peaceful observance of Undas 2023 in their localities.
He also tasked them to identify potential risks and utilize the local police including barangay tanods in ensuring the safe observance of Undas 2023 in their areas.
The PNP has deployed 27,000 police officers around the country while the BFP deployed 35,518 fire officers to provide motorist assistance and emergency medical services.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Gawing-araw-ng-pagdarasal-hindi-ng-kaguluhan-at-inuman-Abalos-calls-for-solemn-observance-of-Undas-2023/NC-2023-1223