MANILA -- With more Filipinos expected to visit various cemeteries on Monday, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said 48 chapters and one sub-chapter have been mobilized to give medical and emergency-response services until November 2.

PRC chairman Richard Gordon said 227 first aid stations will be put up nationwide, especially in the 202 most visited cemeteries in the country.

The list includes Manila’s North and South cemeteries, Manila Memorial Park, Maharlika Gardens in Ilocos Norte, Tuguegarao Memorial Park, Carrieta station in Cebu, Gingoog Catholic Cemetery in Misamis Oriental, among others.

“It is our utmost hope to keep the public safe despite the hazards often entailed by this holiday season,” said Gordon.

Apart from the first aid stations in different memorial parks, PRC will also be setting up first aid posts along main highways, and in major bus terminals and port areas, to cater the people who are still in transit.

Meantime, environmental group EcoWaste Coalition reminded the public not to turn cemeteries into garbage dumps.

“We go there for the primary purpose of offering prayers of remembrance and gratitude to our deceased family members and friends,” said Romy Hidalgo, vice president of EcoWaste Coalition. Reckless disposal in the cemetery makes us ‘Zombasura’, dirtying the hallowed site with trash.” (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)