7 tombs found with holes in Davao Occidental

Seven tombs were found with holes in a cemetery in Malita, Davao Occidental according to Mark Salazar's report on "24 Oras."

Relatives of the deceased suspected that some people tried to take a bone from the knee of the remains to turn them into amulets called "tuway-tuway."

The police said it is investigating the incident.

"Sabi nung Barangay Kapitan, tinakpan naman na ‘yung (butas). And as per sa kanya, kasi siya man ang nandoon sa area parang wala man daw nawala doon sa buong parts ng nandoon sa pantyon,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Donald Edquibal, Manila Municipal Police Station Chief. 

(The Barangay Captain said, the (hole) has been covered, and nothing else was missing in the tomb.)

In Dagupan, Pangasinan, some fear the possibility of flooding again in some cemeteries due to the debris brought by Typhoon Leon.

"'Yung nandoon, ongoing po 'yung pagki-clear po namin ng lupa atsaka 'yung pagtatabon," said Anton Pacheco, Roman Catholic Cemetery Caretaker.

(The clearing of soil and covering is ongoing.) 

At the Manila South Cemetery, nearly 4,000 people visited as of 2 p.m. Thursday, as estimated by the police. 

"Ang nakasanayan kasi ng kababayan natin na pumunta rito is November 1. Kung puwede pumunta na yung iba ngayon para hindi sila masabay sa crowd. Pumunta na sila. Yung bukas naman, agahan na nila para hindi sila masabay sa karamihan," said Hendry Dy, Manila South Cemetery Administrator. 

(People usually come here on November 1. If some people can go now, then the better so they won't have to join the crowd. Meanwhile, those visiting on November 1 are advised to arrive early.)

The cemetery's management reminded the public that staying overnight is not allowed as well as bringing illegal items like alcoholic beverages, sharp objects, and sound system.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News