Floodwaters at Panacan Public Cemetery have largely receded following heavy rains on Oct. 29, while Orchard Memorial Park was allowed to accommodate overnight visitors as thousands of people flocked to cemeteries across Davao City for All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1.

Marivic Zulita, branch manager of Orchard Memorial Park, said the number of visitors was expected to double following the approval of overnight stays.

Authorities clarified that Orchard Memorial Park was the only cemetery in the city permitted to accommodate overnight visitors, while overnight stays remained prohibited at other cemeteries.

Meanwhile, the caretaker of Panacan Public Cemetery said submersible water pumps had been operating for six days to remove accumulated floodwater.

The observance of All Saints’ Day also brought congestion to roads and heavier traffic in several parts of the city as thousands of residents visited cemeteries to pay tribute to their departed loved ones.

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