MANILA — The Marikina City Government announced on Thursday its plans to pursue charges against those allegedly responsible for the exhumation and relocation of hundreds of remains from Barangka Municipal Cemetery.
Photos shared on social media depicted remains placed in sacks, with some skeletal remains exposed. The remains reportedly belonged to those whose vault contracts had expired.
The city described the exhumations as unlawful and unacceptable.
“Ito ay hindi lamang labag sa dangal at respeto sa ating mga yumaong mahal sa buhay, kundi lumalabag din sa batas sa ilalim ng Presidential Decree No. 856, ang Code on Sanitation of the Philippines,” the city declared.
An investigation has been launched to hold accountable those involved in this alleged unauthorized transfer of remains.
“Lubos na siniseryoso ng Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Marikina ang isyung ito titiyaking masasampahan ng kaukulang kaso ang mga indibidwal na responsable dito,” the statement continued.
During an interview, Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro confirmed that administrative and criminal cases would be filed against the Barangka Public Cemetery administrator and four other individuals allegedly involved in these unauthorized exhumations.
“May moratorium tayo ng exhumation sa Barangka cemetery dahil aayuisin ito, naka-schedule, pero sinamantala ito ng mga indibidwal na hindi konektado officially sa cemetery, pero nakipag-connive, nakipagsabwatan sa Barangka cemetery administrator,” Teodoro said.