The Manila City government will begin the construction of its first Muslim cemetery.

Manila City Mayor Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso on Wednesday (July 22) led the groundbreaking ceremony of the capital’s first Muslim cemetery.

The local government said the new cemetery will serve as an exclusive ground for the interment and transfer of remains of the city’s deceased Muslim residents.

Since Manila currently has no existing cemetery for Muslims, Domagoso said Muslim residents have to bring their departed to Bulacan, Taguig or Mindanao to bury them. But with the new cemetery, these residents will be able to abide by their beliefs and tradition for their departed loved ones.

“In recognition to the beliefs and tradition of our Muslim brothers and sisters, we are going to build the Manila Muslim Cemetery so that they will not travel far to bury their departed loved ones,” the Mayor said in a statement. AAC

The Manila Police Officers arrested 34 parents of minors who reportedly violated quarantine protocols.

According to the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO), the said minors violated curfew. The arrested parents will be facing charges in violation of City Ordinance No. 8243 or the Anti-Child Endangerment Act.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso previously warned parents not to neglect their children and to discipline them especially during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

He also reiterated that the local government is serious in implementing its policies, and stressed that they would be forced to intervene if parents are found guilty of neglecting their children.

“We’re not happy about it. I am not happy. I don’t want to separate children and parents. But I will do that if you’re irresponsible parents,” the Mayor said. “I will intervene as government to take care of our children or minors. That is also the job of the government, to intervene.” AAC

Five cobras hidden in the poultry section inside the New Arranque Market were seized by authorities on Tuesday (July 7).

Manila’s Market Administration Office (MAO) said they received reports about cobras being hidden in stalls. MAO Director Zenaida Mapoy reiterated that cobras pose danger not only to the vendors but to the general public.

Upon inspection, authorities found the cobras inside plastic mineral water bottles. The cobras were seized and turned over to the Public Recreations Bureau.

“Nadinig nila [MAO personnel] tunog ng ahas kaya hinanap nila saan galing (They heard snake sounds so they tried to find where it came from),” Mapoy said.

She added that her office will call on the attention of the stall owner regarding the matter. AAC