THE National Police reported on Tuesday that the country’s observance of the All Saints’ Day was generally peaceful although some minor violations were recorded in some cemeteries, particularly in Metro Manila.

Based on the monitoring of the National Police, which is on red alert, no significant and major incidents were reported around the country, except in Metro Manila where traffic leading to major cemeteries was heavy owing to the number of people that visited the graves of their loved ones.

Aside from the heavy volume of traffic, Director Alan Purisima, Metro Manila police commander, said more than 53 people, most of whom are visitors at the North Cemetery in Manila were arrested for violating laws and local rules like the carrying of alcoholic drinks and bladed weapons.

Police have banned the bringing in of intoxicating drinks into cemeteries along with sharp-pointed objects, including scissors and even belts with big buckles.

Purisima said at least 200 bladed weapons were confiscated at the North Cemetery along with 13 bottles of liquor.

At least three people were also injured.

Purisima said eight homosexuals were also arrested at about 2:30 a.m. for dancing on top of the tombs in bikinis. They were booked for public scandal.

More than 1,000 policemen were detailed at the North Cemetery to ensure order and security.

The biggest headache for the policemen, however, was how to untangle traffic in roads that lead to the cemeteries.

“Traffic was the biggest problem, although traffic enforcers consistently worked to remedy it,” Purisima said.

He said that because vendors have already occupied the lanes allotted for pedestrians, particularly at the North Cemetery, the visitors were forced to walk on the street.

Purisima said the problem was worsened by the narrow streets leading to big cemeteries.

“Overall, the observance of the All Saints’ Day in Metro Manila was orderly and peaceful,” he said.

In Photo: A Policeman inspects confiscated banned materials as people flock to the North Cemetery in Manila on All Saints’ Day. As of 10 a.m. on Tuesday, cemetery officials said some 800,000 people have entered the cemetery since Monday morning. (Roy Domingo)