Shocking: Thousands of Bodies Found in Cemetery
Authorities said remains were concealed for decades.
Discovery Prompts Investigation Into Overcrowded Manila Grave Site
| Miren Dlamini General Writer |
An investigation into the Manila North Cemetery uncovered more than 3,400 human remains buried within the 54-hectare property, a discovery that has authorities questioning the facility's operations.
"Intelligence reports suggested irregularities at the site," Western Police District spokesperson Remedios Santos told reporters. "Our findings confirmed that thousands of bodies had been interred beneath the grounds, some concealed for decades."
The revelation has sent shockwaves through neighboring communities.
Cielo Reyes, a resident of Santa Cruz district, about 2.5 kilometers from the cemetery, arranged her mother's burial at the facility two years ago.
"I had no idea," Reyes said. "You trust these places to handle your loved ones with dignity, and then you find out there are thousands of dead people just lying there underground. My mother is surrounded by corpses."
Reyes said she was never informed of the conditions before the burial. "Nobody disclosed any of this. Not a word."
The National Bureau of Investigation has since expanded its inquiry to include nearby Loyola Memorial Park, following reports that human remains may also be buried within its 3.6-hectare property. ■
