GRAVEYARDS are viewed to be scary especially at nightfall. Tales of dead people prowling around the locale during sundown is a typical saga.
But, is it real?
Tito Montelibano, a former caretaker of Victoria Park Public cemetery located in Barangay Granada, Bacolod City, shared a tale about the alleged existence of a "Black Lady" donned by her black veil who occasionally sighted wandering within the graveyard.
The cemetery, being among the oldest public cemeteries in Bacolod City that he presumed to have existed since the 1800s, catered to the dead from Barangays Estefania, Vista Alegre, Granada and Alangilan.
He was assigned as the caretaker of the cemetery from 1976 up to May 2020, and horror tales are a common situation inside or near the cemetery.
"We are used to those tales. It is proven. But it all depends on your belief. The alleged Black Lady sometimes appears within our sight, walking, and then disappearing in a distance. We just don't mind her because she does not harm any of us inside. We also learned that if the Black Lady goes outside the cemetery, accidents happen and someone usually dies in the accident," he shared.
Montelibano advised those who are passing the cemetery to show respect, especially when they are driving their vehicle or motorcycle to blow their horn. They have nothing to lose if they do it, he added.
"There were many instances that accidents happened near the vicinity of the cemetery. But, I don't encourage everyone to be scared of this tale. The important thing is you just have an idea about it. Indeed, some exist invisibly. We don't know the reason for their existence. But we have nothing to lose if we show our respect to those whom we cannot see," he said.
Montelibano, who has his skills in making tombstones, frequently stays at the cemetery even though he is already retired from service.
Furthermore, Montelibano said with the restriction of visiting the dead during the All Saints' and All Souls' Day, (November 1, 2), and up to November 4 due to Covid-19 where crowding of people are prohibited, around 35 percent of tombs had their advance visits from families and relatives as reflected in the presence of flowers, repainting of the epitaphs and candles lighted.
Punong Barangay Alfredo Talimodao, Jr. hoisted a copy of his Executive Order No. 61, series of 2020, which temporarily closes the public and private cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria and the like from October 29 to November 4, 2020, in compliance with the national Inter-Agency Task Force for Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolution No. 72 dated September 17, 2020, to enhance public health and safety protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic in Bacolod City and for other purposes.
Members of Police Station 5 were assigned to ensure the compliance of the said regulation.