FAITHFUL of all walks of life pay a customary visit to their loved ones in various private and public cemeteries in the province as a way of celebrating the traditional All Saints Day and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2 this year, respectively.
ArchBishop of Cebu Alberto S. Uy, the former Tagbilaran diocese bishop, urged the faithful to make the said celebration meaningful and pray for the souls for all the departed ones.
He cited as a way to do it be like the saints who were not perfect but turn to and followed Jesus Christ’s life-like sacrifices.
The church calls for the families not to dress their children in a Halloween party. ArchBishop Uy reminded them that dressing them like vampire-look or zombie-like for a Halloween is a form of advocating darkness but instead dress them like what the saints for the light.
Meanwhile, in a bid to make the celebration peaceful, the police force in the entire province effectively prepared for the conduct of such quest.
Vice-Gov. Nick S. Besas, representing Gov. Aris Aumentado, urged the law enforcement to be always on alert to make the celebration pacific and to make any untoward incident to happen. This he delivered during the send-off of the pacifiers to the cemeteries. All other enforcement, like the provincial and municipal disaster bodies, the Bureau of fire protection, were also deployed to achieve of a peaceful marking of the days.
Bohol Provincial Police Office thru Provincial Director PCol. Patricio Degay Jr, attended by various law enforcement and emergency response agencies, including the PNP, HPG, AFP, PCG, BFP, and PDRRMO during the send-off rites at Camp Dagohoy.
The people visiting the cemeteries are urged to follow the strict policies issued, like no bringing nor drinking of liquor and the limit of hours of visit at the graveyards.
Buenavista Mayor Atty. Dave del Rosario Duallo said that the town is “peaceful and orderly” on Nov. first. But more visitors are expected for today (Nov. 2).
Anda councilor John Deligero said in his message “so far, so good” that the visits to the various cemeteries here is relatively peaceful with the presence of the law enforcement.
In Tagbilaran City, a press statement said that it expects thousands to pay a visit to their loved ones. “The City Government of Tagbilaran, under the leadership of Mayor Jane Yap, implemented comprehensive measures to ensure a safe, orderly, and peaceful observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day 2025.”
All cemeteries in the city opened their gates from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., allowing visitors to stay inside the premises until 10:00 p.m.
Mayor Yap reminded the public to remain disciplined and cooperative during the observance, stressing that ‘Kalag-kalag’ is not only a time for remembrance but also for unity and order. (Ric Obedencio)
