ZAMBOANGA CITY, Oct. 27 (PNA) – Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has issued two executive orders mandating the imposition of strict security measures and traffic re-routing scheme during the observance of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days in this city.
In a press conference Monday, the mayor said that part of the security measures is the absolute prohibition of bringing backpacks “inside the cemetery premises” as stipulated in Executive Order No. BC-81-2014.
The same E.O. prohibits the bringing, sale and drinking of intoxicating liquor as well as bladed weapons, firearms and playing of loud music inside cemeteries.
“It has been observed that incidents of unruly, undisciplined and at times violent behavior are reported in cemeteries, thereby disturbing those who solemnly visit the graveyards of their departed loved ones,” Salazar stated in E.O. BC-81-2014.
Also prohibited inside cemeteries are the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics as well as any type of gambling and establishment of stalls within 20 meters from the entrance to the cemetery.
Salazar, through E.O. BC-82-2014, authorizes the local police to plan, adopt and implement temporary traffic re-routing scheme on all roads leading to public and private cemeteries.
Salazar noted that the annual commemoration of “All Saints’ Day” and “All Souls’ Day” draw thousands of people from all walks of life to both public and private cemeteries, thereby causing traffic congestion.
“It is the responsibility of the city government to see to it that traffic is smooth, orderly and convenient to the public in all roads leading to private and public cemeteries during the observance of this annual religious activity,” Salazar said.
Traffic enforcers of the city government under the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) are likewise directed to render work on November 1 and 2 in close coordination with the police. (PNA)