ILOILO – Funeral wakes in this province should only run for five days at the most from the arrival of the casket/urn to prevent mass gathering and thus stem the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. directed the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), all city/municipal chiefs of police, barangay officials, and all local taskforces to enforce this policy.
“Gina-ayo ‘ta sa aton mga pumoluyo nga limitahan ang adlaw sang himatayan. Maayo kon lima lang ka adlaw ang public viewing,” said Defensor.
Funeral wakes shall also be limited to members of the family and other household residents.
Gambling and walking during funeral processions were also prohibited.
“Gusto anay naton nga indi mag ginutok or damo ang mga tawo sa himatayan…maintain naton sa MGCQ (modified general community quarantine) level ang province…nga indi na magtaas ang aton number of COVID cases,” the governor explained.
Defensor, however, clarified that the wake may be extended with the permission of the municipality/city mayor, in case of the following pending needs/requirements that cannot be obtained/accomplished within the five-day period:
* government regulatory requirements
* religious rites
* burial site
All local taskforces, through the PNP (Philippine National Police) Barangay COVID-19-PNP BET (Patrulya ng Bayan-Barangay Enforcement Team), shall also conduct information operations at the barangay level through the punong barangays, Defensor added./PN
