People visit the Barangka Cemetery in Marikina City on October 28, 2020, a day before cemeteries nationwide temporarily close from October 29 to November 4. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Marikina City Government on Thursday said it would file complaints against those responsible for exhuming and relocating hundreds of remains from the Barangka Municipal Cemetery. 

In a social media post, photos showed remains placed in sacks, with some skeletons exposed. These were reportedly the remains for which vault contracts had already expired. 

• Visiting the graves of loved ones in Barangka, Marikina

According to the city's statement, the exhumation of these remains was illegal and unacceptable.

“Ito ay hindi lamang labag sa dangal at respeto sa ating mga yumaong mahal sa buhay, kundi lumalabag din sa batas sa ilalim ng Presidential Decree No. 856, ang Code on Sanitation of the Philippines,” the city stated.

An investigation has begun to hold accountable those behind this alleged unauthorized transfer of remains.

“Lubos na siniseryoso ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Marikina ang isyung ito titiyaking masasampahan ng kaukulang kaso ang mga indibidwal na responsable dito,”  the statement added.

In a chance interview, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro revealed that they will file administrative and criminal cases against the Barangka Public Cemetery administrator and four others allegedly involved in the unauthorized exhumation of human remains. 

"May moratorium tayo ng exhumation sa Barangka cemetery dahil aayuisin ito, naka-schedule, pero sinamantala ito ng mga indibidwal na hindi konektado officially sa cemetery, pero nakipag-connive, nakipagsabwatan sa Barangka cemetery administrator," Teodoro said. — With a report from Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News

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