Public reminded: No liquor, weapons, gambling, loud music in cemeteries

Local

RESIDENTS and visitors heading to Cebu City cemeteries for Undas must observe restrictions on liquor, weapons, gambling, and other activities.

Mayor Nestor Archival signed an Executive Order (EO) on Oct. 29 prohibiting specific acts in cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, while imposing a citywide liquor ban covering public places during the same period.

The measures aim to manage crowds, prevent disturbances, and ensure the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles during All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.

Under the EO, the citywide liquor ban will run from midnight on Oct. 31 until 6 a.m. on Nov. 3.

During this period, the sale, distribution, and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places will be prohibited, including streets, sidewalks, transport terminals, cemeteries, and other open spaces.

Hotels, restaurants, and other duly licensed establishments may serve alcohol to registered guests within their authorized premises.

However, the exemption does not allow the serving or consumption of liquor outside these establishments’ authorized areas.

Violators may face penalties under existing city ordinances, including fines, suspension of business permits, or other applicable sanctions.

The executive order also prohibits bringing or consuming intoxicating liquor or illegal drugs inside cemeteries, memorial parks, and columbaria during the covered period.

The following acts are likewise prohibited within these premises:

- Carrying firearms, bladed weapons, or explosives, except by uniformed law enforcement personnel performing official duties under the order’s security provisions.

- Engaging in gambling, playing loud music, or displaying unruly behavior.

- Staying overnight without authorization.

- Littering, vandalism, and destruction of property.

- Engaging in unauthorized vending or obstructing access routes.

Separately, the order prohibits the sale, possession, and use of firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices, and similar materials within cemetery premises.

Police will intensify patrols, visibility operations, and checkpoints at major cemetery entrances and exits, as well as other key public areas. Authorities must conduct checkpoints in accordance with Department of the Interior and Local Government-Philippine National Police operational guidelines while respecting constitutional rights.

Violators may face prosecution under applicable provisions of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act No. 4136, relevant city ordinances, and other applicable laws.

The Cebu City Transportation Office will prepare and implement a traffic and transport management plan to regulate vehicle and pedestrian movement during the Undas period.

Authorities will implement special traffic schemes, rerouting plans, and designated parking and loading zones in coordination with barangays and private cemetery administrators.

Public utility vehicle operators must ensure adequate transport availability and compliance with safety standards.

Pedestrian lanes and emergency access routes must remain clear and passable at all times. Unauthorized roadside vending and other obstructions that impede traffic or pedestrian movement are also prohibited.

The city government will coordinate with barangays and cemetery administrators to support crowd control, traffic management, and emergency response.

The Cebu City Health Department will deploy medical teams and establish first-aid stations in major cemeteries to assist visitors who need medical attention.

The Department of Public Services and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office will oversee garbage collection, waste segregation, and sanitation throughout the observance period.

Cemetery administrators must provide adequate garbage bins and maintain clean surroundings. The executive order also discourages the use of single-use plastics and the open burning of waste.

The executive order covers public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria, transport terminals, and other related public areas within Cebu City from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.(TGP)