Residents take their time, offer prayers as they visit the grave sites of their departed loved ones at the Manila South Cemetery on October 31, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA --  Those who plan to visit the cemetery in the next few days are encouraged to come in early to avoid the huge crowd on November 1.

Henry Vulcan Dy, officer-in-charge of the Manila South Cemetery, said they expect around 500,000 people to visit their departed in Manila's biggest cemetery on All Saints' Day.

"'Yung mga hindi pa nakadalaw, tomorrow is October 31. 'Yung iba lalo ang mga senior citizen natin pwede na kayong pumunta bukas," said Dy in an interview on Teleradyo Serbisyo.

"'Wag na po nating antayin ang November 1. 'Yun kasi ang nakasanayan na pagdalaw. Pero ina-anticipate na natin ang pagdagsa ng tao at 'yung masamang panahon po."

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Dy said they have more than 220 policemen on standby to maintain peace and order within the cemetery on November 1. They also assigned medical personnel in strategic areas in case of emergencies.

Dy reminded visitors to avoid bringing into the cemetery prohibited items. He also discouraged fur parents from taking along their pet dogs and cats.

"'Yung mga usual na ipinagbabawal pagpasok ng sementaryo ay mga firearms, kutsilyo, matutulis na bagay tulad ng ice pick, cigarette lighter, flammable materials, alcohol, mga alagang hayop aso at pusa bawal rin po iyon," said Dy.

The Manila South Cemetery is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. up until to Sunday, November 3.

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There will be designated parking areas provided by the local government of Makati City, while free rides will be available for senior citizens, persons with disability and pregnant women.

The Manila South Cemetery is an exclave of San Andres, Manila surrounded by land under the jurisdiction of Makati City.

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