‘Undas’ goers leave behind trash

Contraband The Manila Police District show sacks of seized prohibited items that were brought to the Manila North Cemetery by visitors. Bob Dungo Jr.

Some 10 sacks and two drums of flammable materials were confiscated by authorities from millions of visitors at the Manila North Cemetery (MNC) this All Souls’ Day.

Likewise, truckloads of trash were collected by cleaners inside the MNC.

It was learned from the Manila Police District (MPD) that on 31 October and 1 November, almost 8,000 prohibited items were confiscated from visitors going inside the cemetery.

Most were flammable materials, like rubbing alcohol, cologne and perfume, as well as cigarettes and lighters.

Also confiscated were knives, bolos, hammers, paint, playing cards and liquor.

It is expected that the amount of confiscated items will increase since visitors will continue to visit the cemetery until today, 2 November, despite the occasional rain.

In spite of the continued effort of city government sweepers from the Department of Public Services and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, many still throw their trash indiscriminately. These include styro packaging, junk food wrappers, plastic bottles and disposable items, such as fork and spoon.

As early as 5 a.m. of 2 November, more than four garbage trucks hauled trash from the cemetery.

The only difference now is that people tend to put their waste in sacks or plastic bags that makes it easy to collect.

Some volunteer non-governmental group like Tsu Chi Foundation helped in cleaning up after the visitors.

Most of the items collected were plastic bottles that can be recycled to further produce other plastic materials.