DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 1 Nov) – Environmental group Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) appealed to people visiting their departed loved ones in cemeteries this All Saints Day and All Souls Day not to leave their wastes behind.
IDIS executive director Chinkie P. Golle said urged visitors on Wednesday not to bring single-use plastics inside cemeteries and instead bring their own reusable cups, containers for their snacks and food, and cloth bags for their belongings.
She also suggested to visitors to bring flower seedlings for planting to add to the greenery of the cemeteries and bring non-toxic candles.
“They should check the candles that they will buy and light in the cemetery. It should not contain lead-cored wicks. Instead, they can use candles with cotton or other non-metal wicks without lead,” Golle said.
She told politicians to not add more wastes inside cemeteries with their leaflets and tarpaulins.
She told them to donate flowers and seedlings instead.
The police also asked the public to bring with them their own thrash.
Senior Insp. Catherine Dela Rey, Davao City Police Office acting spokesperson, said items prohibited inside the cemeteries are alcoholic beverages; bladed items such as fork, icepicks, knives; radios and other equipment that can disturb other visitors; and cards and other items used for gambling.
She said a maximum deployment of police personnel on November 1 and 2 will be enforced as they expect a deluge of visitors to the cemeteries.
Police assistance desks would be set up at every entrance of the cemetery to cater to the concerns of the visitors, Dela Rey said.
She said police forces will also be deployed in residential areas but reminded homeowners to secure valuable items, lock all doors and windows to prevent thefts, and make sure appliances are unplugged and no candles are lighted before leaving their homes.
(Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)