Feast of St. Joseph in Mandaue 'peaceful'

THE Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) said the celebration of the Feast of St. Joseph on May 8, 2021, was peaceful and manageable.

Since May 7, local police of Mandaue City were deployed all over the city to ensure security and implement existing protocols in celebrating the feast day.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro, MCPO information officer, told Sunstar Cebu that on May 8, they have implemented the minimum health protocols, particularly, limiting the capacity of devotees in the church.

This resulted in the crowding of devotees outside the gate of the National Shrine of St. Joseph, especially during the pontifical mass at 10 a.m. celebrated by Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, said Villaro.

She said they also deployed force multipliers and church volunteers in the area to maintain and implement safety and health protocols.

Aside from attending the church activities, local police also expected during the feast that people tend to hold illegal cockfighting and drinking sprees in public places, which are still prohibited in Mandaue City.

Villaro said they are conducting rekorida at the barangays to remind residents of the things to be observed during the feast day.

As of Saturday evening, Villaro said they have not received any reports pertaining illegal cockfighting.

As for the liquor ban, Villaro said the Police sa Barangay are roving the interior portion of barangays and admonish those who drink liquor beside the streets. (KFD)