Traffic rerouting and strict contraband checks were instituted around the perimeter of Manila North Cemetery on Saturday as public safety officials prepared for a massive influx expected to peak at one million visitors over the weekend.
Under the Manila City government’s Undas traffic scheme, several major thoroughfares surrounding the cemetery grounds have been closed to vehicle traffic since October 30.
The closures include Blumentritt Street from A. Bonifacio Avenue to Aurora Boulevard, Dimasalang Street to Retiro Street from Retiro Street to Calavite Street, Maceda Street from Makiling Street to Dimasalang Street, the northbound lane of Dimasalang Bridge, Aurora Boulevard corner Leonor Rivera Street, and Blumentritt Road corner Leonor Rivera Street.
Motorists navigating the affected areas are directed to follow designated detour routes:
- Vehicles from Dimasalang Road bound for Blumentritt Road must turn right onto Simoun Street.
- Vehicles from Quezon City via A. Bonifacio Avenue must turn left onto Labo Street.
- Vehicles from Maceda Street bound for Dimasalang or Retiro streets must turn right onto Simoun Street.
- Vehicles from Aurora Boulevard heading to Dimasalang Street must turn right onto Leonor Rivera Street.
- Vehicles from Blumentritt Road heading to Aurora Boulevard must turn right onto Leonor Rivera Street.
Designated parking zones have been established along P. Guevarra, Felix Huertas, and Oroquieta streets, stretching from Blumentritt Road to Aurora Boulevard. Municipal authorities advised drivers to plan their travel early to avoid bottlenecks.
Inside the perimeter, security inspections led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) yielded various prohibited items at the gates early Saturday morning, including cigarettes, cleaning materials, and a cat.
In a report by Jonathan Andal of GMA News, Manila police estimated that around 8,900 visitors had entered the cemetery gates as of 10 a.m. Saturday.
In a separate report by Pamela Adriano of Super Radyo dzBB, cemetery management projected that visitor footfall would hit 500,000 by the end of Saturday.
Manila North Cemetery Director Daniel Tan said the crowd could potentially reach one million by Sunday, Nov. 1, in observance of All Saints’ Day.
To assist elderly visitors and persons with disabilities (PWDs), free shuttle rides and wheelchairs are being deployed on site. The cemetery grounds will remain open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Nov. 2, All Souls’ Day.
Vendors operating outside the cemetery gates are offering flowers priced between P70 and P130, while small candles sell at P50 for a pack of four and larger candles at P100 per four-pack.