Liquor, gun banned in all cemeteries

AS IN the past several years, firearms, bladed weapons, selling and drinking of liquor and other similar items, including gambling shall not be allowed inside the premises of public and private cemeteries during the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and November 2, respectively, in Zamboanga City.

Mayor Celso Lobregat, in an Executive Order (E.O.), stated that these rules and regulations will be implemented effective 12 midnight of November 1 until 5 p.m. of November 2 to obtain order and solemnity of the occasions when thousands are expected to flock the graveyards of their departed loved ones.

The order is contained in E.O. 479-2012 issued on Tuesday citing the expected huge influx of people in burial sites come Thursday and Friday next week.

Lobregat likewise issued E.O. 478 authorizing the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) through the Traffic Division to plan, adopt and implement temporary traffic rerouting scheme on all roads leading to public and private cemeteries also to take effect 12 midnight of November 1 until 5 p.m. of November 2.

Based on the E.O., the following acts are absolutely prohibited inside all cemeteries: bringing of firearms, bladed weapons and other similar items; bringing, selling and drinking of liquor; putting up temporary stalls and selling of foods, beverages, candles, etc. within 20 meters space leading to the entrance gates of cemeteries to ensure free and unhampered flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Playing of loud music on radio/stereo cassettes or the use of microphones or conversing in loud voices that cause disturbance/irritants to others is strictly prohibited inside the cemetery, including any type/form of gambling.

The use of firecrackers/pyrotechnics display is also prohibited inside the cemeteries.

Violators of the order are to be conducted to the police station for investigation and filing of charges if so warranted, under existing laws and ordinances or the imposition of fines as the case maybe.

In E.O. 478, the mayor stressed that it is the responsibility of the City Government to see to it that traffic is smooth, orderly and convenient to the public in all roads leading to private and public cemeteries during the observance of the annual activity.

The traffic aides of the City Government are directed to render work on the said days in close coordination with the Traffic Section of the City Police Office.

The City Administrator is requested to monitor compliance of the directive.

Lobregat met on Tuesday with all those involved in the implementation of the executive orders to ensure proper implementation and compliance. (Bong Garcia)