Thousands of prohibited items seized at Manila, QC cemeteries on Undas — police

Police have confiscated thousands of prohibited items from visitors at cemeteries in Manila and Quezon City on Undas or All Saints’ Day on Friday.

Among the seized contraband items were bladed weapons, lighters, matchboxes, lighters, cigarettes, vapes, plastic cards, among others.

Based on the data from the Manila and Quezon City Police Districts as of Friday afternoon, a total of 1,217 prohibited items were confiscated in Manila North Cemetery; 946 in Manila South Cemetery; and  in Quezon City.

Police said a total of around 840,000 visitors were monitored in Manila North Cemetery and around 76,300 in Manila South Cemetery.

Meanwhile in Quezon City, the following are the numbers of crowd estimate in some cemeteries:

• Himlayang Pilipino Cemetery - 9,159
• Recuerdo Cemetery - 2,000
• Holy Cross Cemetery/Manila Memorial Park - 4,189
• Bagbag Public Cemetery - 9,497
• Nova Public Cemetery - 1,748

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said 143 volunteers and emergency medical service (EMS) units have treated individuals with minor bruises, sprains, and superficial burns at cemeteries and terminals.

Some visitors and travelers also experienced heat exhaustion, dizziness, and hyperventilation.

“Accidents can happen any time, any place,” the PRC said.

“That's why our dedicated volunteers and staff in the PRC are on alert day and night during Undas to make sure people visiting their loved ones at cemeteries and those traveling with their families across the country are given proper medical care,” it added. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News