Residents living near the Cagayan de Oro City Memorial Park have raised concerns over a foul odor coming from several open tombs at the cemetery.

The concerns circulated on social media.

The stench reportedly came from tombs that were not sealed properly despite already containing remains of the deceased.

Residents expressed alarm over possible health and sanitation issues.

“Dili maayo sa mga tao sa mga residente kay patay baya na… kung hisgutan ana sa sanitation, dili gyud na pwede,” a resident, Oliver Vallar, said.

The contractor in charge of the City Memorial Park confirmed that at least 11 tombs were left unsealed over the weekend due to heavy rains.

“Nag-rain out mi ato among trabaho, 1 hour lang, kay among company, pag ulan, mag-suspended gyud mi og trabaho kay open area man ni among site,” Nelson Aslag, leadman of Jejors Construction, said.

Aslag added that the unsealed tombs were larger than the standard size, which required specially fabricated covers.

“Kato siya, special, para to siya sa mga dagko nga tao, tag-as… wala na-fabricate ang taklob nga sukod sa special,” Aslag said.

As of Monday, November 10, 2025, the 11 tombs have already been sealed with cement, and fabrication of concrete covers for special-sized tombs is now underway to prevent a similar incident.

Officials from the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) have also met with the contractor to ensure proper management and sanitary practices within the memorial park.