Besao bans graveyards in residential lots

BESAO, Mt. Province – Burying the dead in residential lots, agricultural lands, caves and other areas aside from designated public and private cemeteries is now strictly prohibited in this town.

The Municipal Council saw a need to enact an ordinance banning this practice since there are residents in this town who bury their dead in residential lots and agricultural lands, unmindful of the health and sanitation concerns in their neighborhood.

One of the concerns mentioned is the contamination of drinking water from springs which would be affected due to the effluence and sippage emanating from burial grounds considering the topography of the municipality.

The ordinance provides that burial grounds shall be strictly designated to public or private cemeteries in this municipality, and establishment of these cemeteries shall need the approval of the people in the community.

The ordinance further states that the customs and traditions relative to the burial of infants or babies and other death, which is limited to the bereaved family’s compound, shall be considered provided the barangay officials shall be informed.

In case of a controversy arises wherein the bereaved family rejects the practice of customs and traditions of the barangay, the resolution should be favorable to the concerned family.

Any person violating the provisions of this ordinance shall pay a fine of P2,500 or an imprisonment of a minimum of one day to 30 days or both at the discretion of the court.

Collected fines will be divided by the concern barangay and the municipal government with a sharing of 80 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

This ordinance shall be implemented by the barangay officials, the municipal health personnel and the local Philippine National Police force. (Juliet Saley)