Mayor John Dalipe on Tuesday has issued Executive Order (EO) No. JD 2023-097 prescribing the guidelines for the observance of All Souls Day in the city and shall be in force from from 12:00 noon of October 31st to 05:00 p.m. of November 2nd.
The said order absolutely prohibits the following acts inside private and public cemeteries: (1) bringing of firearms, bladed weapons and other similar items; (2) bringing, selling and drinking of liquor; (3) bringing of backpacks, and wearing of bullcaps, waistcoats/chalecos and jackets with hood; (4) any type of gambling; and (5) using of firecrackers/pyrotechnics display.
Observers are similarly forbidden from playing loud music from radio/portable speakers or communicating thru microphones or conversing in loud voices that causes disturbance/irritants to others. However, religious rites performed under the supervision of the parish priests of the barangay where the cemetery is located are exempted from this prohibition.
Overnight stay in cemeteries is barred In particular, cemeteries will only be open from 05:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. from October 31 to November 2.
Putting up of temporary stalls and selling of foods, beverages, candles, and the likes within the 50-meter space leading to the entrance/gate of cemeteries and along sidewalks are likewise prohibited to ensure free and unhampered flow of vehicular and human traffic in entering and leaving the cemetery.
All motor vehicles must be parked at designated areas outside the cemetery premises. Absolutely no vehicle shall be allowed inside public cemeteries and sidewalks. (Claudine Uniana)