Cebu Archdiocese opens cemeteries to non-Catholics who died of COVID-19

The Archdiocese of Cebu has allowed in its cemeteries the burial of non-Catholics who passed away due to COVID-19, saying that some families are having difficulty finding burial grounds for their dearly departed.

"In cases of non-Catholics who have died due to COVID, and there are no more vacant burial slots in their own respective cemeteries, I take it as an act of charity to allow their burial in our Roman Catholic cemeteries during these times of pandemic," read Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma's letter.

Palma added that "only time will tell" when the courtesy will be abrogated.

Palma further advised those who will avail of burial services inthe  Cebu Archdiocese cemeteries to consult first with ecclesiastical authorities "when there are other issues and other unforeseen circumstances that may arise."

To date, the Philippines' COVID-19 fatalities have reached 33,680. The country's total confirmed virus infections have risen to 2,020,484, with 146,510 active cases. — Consuelo Marquez/BM, GMA News