Mayors of Metro Manila ‘unanimously’ on the closure of cemeteries during Undas: MMDA

MANILA (TO UPDATE)- All the mayors of Metro Manila agree to the proposal to close cemeteries in their cities during the observance of All Saints ‘Day and All Souls’ Day due to the coronavirus pandemic, an official said Wednesday.

The general manager of the Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA), Jojo García, said in an interview that based on his previous conversations with the 17 mayors of the capital region, most, if not all, are willing to temporarily close the cemeteries in their jurisdictions in Undas.

“Based on our group chat, the majority really is. It will be unanimous, I think. That’s 17-0, if ever,” Garcia told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo.

He said he will meet with local executives on Sunday to establish standard policies for the temporary shutdown, adding that the country’s interagency working group focused on the coronavirus response will publish its own set of guidelines for enforcement at the national level.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno previously said that the city will close cemeteries from October 31 to November 3 to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The spokesperson for the National Task Force (NTF) COVID-19 Brig. General Restituto Padilla also previously said that due to the family tradition of Filipinos who flock to Undas cemeteries, “most likely” the entire country will temporarily close them for health and safety reasons.

“To avoid building people in certain locations, especially here in Undas, that’s probably the policy that will come out,” he said, advising the public to visit their deceased loved ones “in advance.”

[LINK: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/09/20/ph-cemeteries-most-likely-closed-during-undas-amid-covid-19-pandemic]

At press time, the Philippines has 245,143 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 55,614 are active.

The total number of recoveries in the country is 185,543, while its death toll is 3,986.