Over 22,000 visitors have gathered at Manila South Cemetery on October 31, the eve of All Saints’ Day.

From 5:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon on Friday, more than 22,500 people have already flocked to the cemetery to avoid overwhelming crowds and take advantage of the good weather, said the Manila South Cemetery Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Director in RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort’s report.

The Manila local government unit (LGU) has deployed 20 e-trikes to offer free rides within the cemetery premises, putting the priority sector, such as senior citizens, first. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) may also avail themselves of the 40 wheelchairs designated for use.

Tomorrow, on November 1, e-trike deployment will rise to 30 to as many as 40 units.

As for security, over a thousand policemen have been spread out, covering every corner of the cemetery. Medical staff are also on stand-by to administer first aid, while ambulances are prepared to transport patients to nearby medical facilities.

“Latag na latag naman po sa Manila South Cemetery, handa na rin po ang ating kapulisan sa mga bawat sulok ng sementeryo. At ‘yung mga medical staff natin, naka-ready na rin,” the OIC director told Ricafort.

“Nasa 1,000 plus na po ang ating kapulisan, katuwang niyan, ang ating security force ng Manila—point to point po ‘yan, bawat sulok, mayroon tayong na-deploy na mga pulis,” he added.

Personnel of the Manila Health Department stationed in the area have assisted 10 people, nine of whom had their blood pressure checked.

To avoid cases of missing children, nametags with their parents’ or guardians’ contact numbers are being issued at the entrance.

Over 440 items of contraband have been confiscated from visitors, including cigarettes, lighters, vape, and sharp objects. Some visitors with pets have also been denied entry, as these are not allowed in the cemetery.

Around 73,000 have already visited their deceased loved ones since October 24.