AUTHORITIES will temporarily suspend the operations of Metro Ferry Inc. on Monday, Nov. 12, due to the seaborne procession in honor of the Birhen sa Regla (Our Lady of the Rule). The ferry travels from Muelle Osmeña in Barangay Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City to Pier 3 of Cebu City and vice versa.
But the operations will only be suspended between 7 and 10 a.m. or until the number of people in the area will become manageable.
Senior Supt. Limuel Obon of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office said the temporary suspension of the boat trips is necessary due to the large number of people expected to gather at Osmeña Wharf to meet the image of the Birhen sa Regla.
As part of tradition, a week before the feast of Lapu-Lapu City’s patron, the image of the Birhen sa Regla will be toured around the city aboard a yacht starting in Suba-Basbas. The yacht will go around Marigondon, Maribago, Mactan, Punta Engaño and Pusok, all the way to the Mactan Channel and dock at Muelle Osmeña, which is right behind the Nuestra Señora Virgen dela Regla National Shrine.
As soon as the image returns to the shrine, there will be a mass in her honor.
Police will be detailed in the area to prevent a stampede, considering the number of people who are expected to be there.
During the final coordination meeting for the seaborne procession, Obon said flying of drones, kites and balloons are strictly prohibited especially among those who will wait for the image in the two bridges linking Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities. This was a request from the Philippine Air Force, which will fly a helicopter for the floral drop.
Obon asked for understanding from the public, who will be affected by this annual religious activity. From FVQ of Superbalita Cebu