AFTER gathering their field reports, Sinulog organizers said the festival highlight last Sunday, Jan. 20, gathered a record-breaking 3.5 million people in Cebu City.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak said Tuesday the crowd estimate includes those outside the grand parade route and the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, and in road arteries.

“The estimate the police earlier gave (of 2.5 million people) was only along the parade route and the Basilica. But they did not include other areas such as Labangon, V. Rama, Capitol, Escario up to Bulacao area,” he said.

Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Gen. Debold Sinas said that despite the number of people who visited the city for a day, the holding of the event was successful.

“The event was very successful with a record number of participants, both devotees and audience. It went beyond our expectation. We were able to meet the challenges,” he told reporters.

Sinas and other lead officers of the different committees of the Sinulog 2019 celebration held a formal termination meeting of the multi-agency coordinating body.

There were also no major injuries recorded during the Sinulog grand parade.

Sinas said that according to their assessment, there are some areas they will need to improve on in time for next year’s celebration. (RVC)