THE City Government of Cagayan de Oro is set to implement a 19-hour liquor ban as part of security measures for a peaceful celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Mayor Oscar Moreno ordered the ban through an executive order, which states that it will start at 5 p.m. of January 8 to 12 p.m. of January 9.
The order prohibits the drinking and selling of alcoholic beverages within the 300 meters radius area of the Traslacion route.
Police Colonel Erwin Meneses, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office director for administration, said more than 1,000 police officers will be deployed during the religious procession.
Meneses said they are also expecting police augmentation and help of 600 barangay tanod.
Meneses asked the public to cooperate as it prohibits the following: use of caps, dark glasses, backpacks, bringing of umbrellas, including sharp objects and deadly weapons and similar items.
The public can also expect signal interruption during the procession but the schedule will not be announced.
"We always presume nga naay threat. It is better to prepare. Our presumption is naay prevailing security threat so we will be completely ready," he said.