Manila South Cemetery sees 46K visitors on All Souls' Day

Manila South Cemetery officials are urging early visits to avoid crowds for both All Saints' Day on Friday, November 1, and All Souls' Day on Saturday, November 2.

As of noon on Friday, the cemetery was visited by around 37,000 people, according to estimates from the Philippine National Police (PNP) command post; however, by 5 p.m., the number had climbed to 90,040 visitors, and by Saturday afternoon, it reached a total of 186,020.

On Saturday alone, Manila South Cemetery recorded 46,100 visitors with police stationed at entrances manually counting inflow and outflow; prohibited items such as vape or e-cigarettes were confiscated from some visitors who attempted to bring them inside.

Visitors are reminded not to bring prohibited items including firearms, sharp objects, flammable materials, alcohol, pets like dogs and cats, cigarettes, lighters, guitars, and loud sound systems, with Manila local government having issued an order prohibiting the bringing of pets into the cemetery.

Manila South Cemetery remained peaceful on both days without significant incidents; medical personnel attended to 38 people for medical concerns and monitored six patients on Friday, while no major issues were reported on Saturday.

The cemetery is open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. until Sunday, November 3, with designated parking areas provided by Makati City and free rides available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women.