Iloilo City deploys full alert for All Saints' Day cemetery visits

ILOILO CITY — Authorities have placed the Iloilo City Operations Center on blue alert ahead of the Tigkaralag festivities, the local term for the observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. The precautionary measure, instituted through Executive Order No. 409 signed by Mayor Raisa Treñas, took effect Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., positioning emergency and city personnel to respond to any incidents during the holiday period.

The blue alert status reflects preparedness for the annual surge in cemetery visits, when families gather to honor their deceased loved ones. The city's readiness protocol aims to ensure visitor safety and facilitate smooth operations at burial grounds throughout the metropolis.

With flood warnings in effect across the region, cemetery-goers have been undeterred in their devotions, navigating waterlogged conditions to pay respects at burial sites. The city's operations center remains on standby to address any emergencies or logistical challenges that may arise during the peak visitation days.

Officials have urged the public to exercise caution while traveling to cemeteries and to monitor weather updates from local authorities. The heightened alert status underscores the city government's commitment to maintaining public safety during one of the year's most significant observances for Filipino families.