Burial of COVID-19 victims will be banned in Tabuk City

BAGUIO CITY (October 15, 2021)— Members of the Tabuk City Council are backing up the demand of Barangay Balong, Tabuk City villagers to ban the burial of COVID-19 victims at the Balong Public Cemetery.

In a resolution, the City Councilors endorsed to the Committee on Rules the request of the Balong residents to stop the burrying of the dead due to COVID-19 while citing Balong barangay officials’  ordinance that even cited observations that used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are not properly disposed of compromising public health standards.

The barangay officials also complained that the standard pit hole as required was not complied with even with the earlier assurance by the City Government of Tabuk.  Panic has stricken residents,  Barangay Balong officials claimed.

The Balong officials also argued that the Balong Public Cemetery is already full and is  near the households and residents fear that there will be effects to their health and safety.

Once the Tabuk City Council will formally thumb up the villagers wishes, the ban takes effect.

Last September, the City Government of Tabuk started digging graves at the Balong public cemetery as the number of Covid-related deaths rose.

Artemio A. Dumlao