THE Sinulog shutoff is a big economic loss but safety remains a priority, said an official of a telecommunications company.

Patrick Gloria, director of external affairs of Globe Telecom, on Friday, Jan. 18 said Globe received several complaints about the signal shutoff this weekend but he said they made the mobile subscribers understand that it is for everyone’s safety and for a peaceful Sinulog celebration.

He admitted though that this would result in economic loss for the company.

“It’s an economic loss but safety is more important. A lot of customers are also calling us about that and we also tell them that we’re also on the same boat. In fact, we will be losing a whole lot but that is nothing compared to the safety of the people,” he said.

Gloria clarified that only cellular signal is shut off and not the wired internet like the digital subscriber line (DSL) and Fiber.

“The same cellular sites last year will be shut off during this time. So what happened last year will be the same,” he said.

To still access communication, Gloria said the public should connect to wired Wi-Fi signal.

“Wired internet are the ones in your homes, offices, and malls and you can only communicate in messaging applications,” he said.

Gloria said after they received the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) communication to shut off cellular signal during the Sinulog weekend they immediately complied.

“Our stand is always safety first,” he said.

Businesses like ride-hailing app Grab and concierge service Honestbee have advised that their services will be affected.

Retailers dependent on wireless business transactions are encouraged to connect to wired Wi-Fi.

The Sinulog signal shutoff is set on Jan. 19, Saturday to Jan. 20, Sunday.

On Jan. 19 from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m, the shutoff will be implemented for the fluvial procession. This will cover the cities of Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, and Cebu.

On the same day, a signal shutoff will be implemented from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in uptown and downtown Cebu City for the solemn procession.

There will also be no cellualr signal from 3 a.m. to 7 p.m in uptown and downtown Cebu City during the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 20, Sunday. (JOB)