Mourners in provinces deal with rain, heat, and 'unruly grievers' on Undas

Mourners and police alike had to deal with poor weather conditions and "unruly" grievers on All Saints' Day, separate reports on "Balita Pilipinas" said on Tuesday.

Continuous rain caused mud to cover the lower levels of apartment-style tombs at the Koronadal City Public Cemetery, forcing mourners to bring shovels to clear paths to their loved ones.

Flood resulting from the rain made some mausoleums unreachable at the Koronadal City Catholic Cemetery and people like Glema Eroy still stuck candles on a central cross in lieu of trips to far-flung provinces.

"Ayon kasi sa tradisyon kung hindi ka makauwi kasi malayo ang lugar niyo dito na lang sa malaking krus magtirik ng kandila, ang aking biyenan kasi nasa Misamis, ang iba kong kaanak sa Liberty," Eroy said.

Rain also interrupted plans by mourners at the Davao Memorial Cemetery and forced them to either rent tents or park their vehicles close to the tombs of their loved ones.

The opposite weather met mourners in Pangasinan, where an old woman was given medical aid after she nearly passed out due to extreme heat and crowded cemeteries.

Joanne Ponsoy of GMA Dagupan reported that Lola Emerin, 76, was rushed to the emergency services center of the Bureau of Fire Protection after she suddenly felt faint from the weather and the crowded cemetery.

Meanwhile, police separated entrances for males and females to ease foot traffic at four consecutive cemeteries at Brgy. Guilig, Mangaldan, Pangasinan and to thoroughly search bags for forbidden items.

Weapons, alcohol, and other prohibited items were still widespread despite repeated warnings by police and were confiscated in places such as Bangued, Abra.

A pair in Zamboanga City was even arrested for bringing a deck of cards, two bolos, and P8,000 in betting money while gambling at the municipal cemetery of Zamboanga City.

However, they insisted that they were gambling outside the cemetery and not inside it, an act prohibited by police during the November 1 holidays. — Rie Takumi/VVP, GMA News