THE fluvial procession of the images of the Santo Niño and Our Lady of Guadalupe was generally peaceful and orderly this year, an officer of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Central Visayas said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Michael John Encina, PCG District Central Visayas spokesperson, said the Sinulog seaborne procession early Saturday morning, January 18, 2020, was generally successful.

He said no maritime incident was reported during the course of the procession. Although there were minor setbacks during the course of the event, Encina said that organizers were able to start on time and all the major goals and objectives of were met.

Several roads were closed in Lapu-Lapu City on Friday night, January 17, to clear the path for the procession of the Santo Niño icon from the Saint Joseph Parish in Mandaue City to the Virgen dela Regla National Shrine in the city on Saturday, January 18.

LCT Teofilo Camomot, the official galleon carrying the holy images this year, left the Captain Veloso Pier in Lapu-Lapu City at 6:05 a.m. It arrived Pier 1 in Cebu City at around 7:45 a.m. Encina said unregistered motor bancas and other vessels were successfully barred from joining the seaborne procession.

"This is a head's up sa upcoming seaborne procession natin na mamulat din ang ating kababayanan na magparehistro rin sila (this is a head's up for seafarers who want to join upcoming seaborne processions that they really need to register to participate)," Encina said.

A total of 179 sea vessels were allowed to join the seaborne procession. (WBS/JGS)