'Puntod Finder,' free rides offered at Manila North Cemetery

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The Manila North Cemetery is offering services that help people find the burial spots of their deceased loved ones, as well as free rides for senior citizens.

In a "24 Oras" report from Mariz Umali on Friday, around 12,000 people flocked to the country’s largest cemetery. The number is expected to reach around 2 million total as All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day near.

With the high volume of people anticipated to visit the cemetery, a “puntod finder” was launched.

Gary Constantino, a 68-year-old retired senior citizen, was one of the people who availed of this service to find his parents. He has not been able to visit them since 2016.

“Lumapit nga ako dito para madali kong matunton, kasi may edad na rin ako hindi ko,” Constantino said. (I approached here so I could find it easily, because I am also old.)

Constantino was able to locate his parents, but since they were far, he made use of the free rides being offered. When he reached his parents' burial spot, Constantino said he was happy that he was able to visit them and pray for them.

Benjamin Muñoz, 85, also did not wait for the height of Undas to visit his deceased loved ones.

“Para hindi ako mahirapan sa dagsa ng tao…Importante po sakin yan, mga mahal ko sa buhay sila,” Muñoz said. (So that I do not struggle with the rush of people… This is important to me, they are my loved ones.)

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno warned people who plan to take shortcuts into the Manila North Cemetery.

“Yung mga nasa A. Bonifacio, ‘wag kayong maglalagay ng tulay… ba’t pa kayo dun dadaan, ilalagay niyo pa sarili niyo sa alanganin,” Moreno said. (For those in A. Bonifacio, do not put a bridge there… why would you put yourselves in danger?)

Children could also be given a nametag, while persons with disabilities and senior citizens could also avail of wheelchairs. Visitors are also given free flowers, candles and snacks.

However, the Philippine National Police warned visitors of possible scammers who may make them pay for services that should be free.

“May mga iba, nagpapanggap na pari o kaya minister nagsusuot ng habito…’Wag basta-basta magtitiwala sa mga ganun,” National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Brigadier General Christopher Nortez Abrahano said. (Some pretend to be a priest or minister… Do not just simply trust them.)

Visitors are urged to research road closures in the area before going, and those who are supposed to pass through surrounding roads are urged to look for alternate routes. —Jean Mangaluz/LDF, GMA News