The local government of Manila warned funeral service establishments in the city not to refuse to receive remains from hospitals.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said that the Manila local government will not have second thoughts in canceling business permits of funeral parlors caught denying service or procrastinating in receiving cadavers.
“Ayokong may maulit na insidente na may isang patay, habang nagdadalamhati ang pamilya nila ay siya n’yong aabusuhin ang kanila kalugmukan. Huwag na huwag n’yong gagawin ‘yan sa panahong ito (I do not want to hear another incident that when a person dies, their grieving family is being taken advantage of. Do not do that in times like this),” Moreno cautioned.
“Kung kayo ay may pangamba na sila ay PUI, alam n’yo din na may protocol na dapat sundin. Pinasok n’yo ang negosyon na ‘yan, tupdin n’yo ang obligasyon na ‘yan (If you suspect that they are PUIs, you must also know the protocol to be followed. You entered the business, do your obligation),” Moreno added.
The local chief executive also dissuaded businessmen from trying to take advantage of the public in this time of crisis.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded that traditional wake practices will have to be set aside due to the social distancing measures being implemented against COVID-19.
He added that only immediate members and the clergy will be allowed to join the interment.
The PNP also clarified that this protocol also applies to other scenarios and not only for COVID-19 cases since mass gathering is prohibited under ECQ.
Report from Kenneth Paciente
