A SECURITY lockdown will be implemented at the Cebu City Sports Complex starting 3 p.m. Sunday, January 19, as President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to arrive at the sports complex to join the Sinulog celebration.

As of 10 a.m. Sunday, there were already about 15,000 people who are inside the sports complex to watch the Sinulog performances of a total of 31 contingents from Cebu and other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. Last year, only 27 contingents joined the grand parade.

On the parade route, at least 100,000 people are watching the grand parade, and this number is expected to increase by Sunday afternoon.

Police Major Elisandro Quijano, Cebu City Sports Complex ground commander, said no one can enter or leave the sports center by 3 p.m. except the contingents.

Strict security has also been implemented at the Cebu City Sports Complex entrance, where people are asked to open not just their bags but also their water bottles as part of security measures.

Police, military and other units are also on standby in other areas in Cebu City to secure the public. (AYB/LMY)