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2 years ago
DOH warns vs buying food, drinks sold at cemeteries
As Filipinos flocked to cemeteries to pay respect to their dead, an official of the Health department advised people on Sunday against buying and eating food sold in cemeteries.
A report of dzBB’s Denevin Macaranas cited a Department of Health (DOH) official saying that many of the food items sold inside cemeteries may be easily contaminated and cause food poisoning and diseases like cholera.
National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag suggested that visitors to cemeteries should bring their own food and drinks instead.
Common items vendors sell at cemeteries are lechon, isaw, chicharon and fishballs – all of which go with sauces that may get spoiled easily.
Eating contaminated food and drinking unclean water may lead to diseases such as cholera and those caused by salmonella bacterium, he said.
The dzBB report said many of the vendors had set up their stalls inside the cemeteries since Saturday night.
Rubbish piling up
Meanwhile, Manila Police District (MPD) head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay appealed to people flocking to cemeteries to bring trash bags to protect the environment.
A report by dzBB’s Carlo Mateo indicated that trash had started to pile up in Manila’s cemeteries as of Sunday morning.
“Magdala ng sariling trash bag na dapat iligpit pagkatapos itapon sa tamang basurahan (Bring trash bags so you can dispose of your garbage properly),” Magtibay said on dwIZ radio.
He also advised parents to keep close watch on their children and make sure they do not wander away, especially while inside the cemetery.
Parents or cemetery visitors may report a problem or untoward incident to the MPD through its operations center at 5233378, or through mobile phone at 0918-4072792.
Magtibay also said the Manila police will beef up security at the cemeteries on Sunday and Monday.
Among the cemeteries the MPD is helping secure are the Manila Chinese Cemetery, La Loma Cemetery, Manila North Cemetery, Manila South Cemetery, and Paco Park Cemetery. - GMANews.TV Notes
