THE Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) said the final decision on whether a signal shutdown will be implemented on January 14 and 15, 2023 lies with Mayor Michael Rama.
PRO 7 Chief Brigadier General Jerry Bearis they still have to wait for the recommendation of the mayor on the matter.
“We will abide whatever the recommendation of the honorable mayor is, so that we can have a very nice celebration for this Sinulog festival,” Bearis said.
Bearis said security preparations have already been well-planned since the opening salvo of Sto. Niño fiesta, such as the Walk with Jesus on January 5, and up to the Sto. Niño procession on Saturday, January 14, and the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday, January 15.
He said they also conducted simulation exercises to ensure the safety of the people.
The PRO 7 chief clarified that the purpose of signal shutdown is part of their security preparations.
“That is a pro-active measure. However, whatever the wisdom of the honorable mayor of Cebu City, we will go with it because he knows best,” Bearis said.
With the approaching seaborne procession, solemn procession and the Sinulog grand parade, the PRO 7 has enhanced its intelligence monitoring against criminals who have the desire to disturb the religious event.
One of the things they closely watch is the proliferation of illegal drugs like shabu and party drugs.
“I have already given our guidance to really intensify especially those proliferation of illegal drugs and other party drugs, so yung ating mga intel operatives is on the ground to ensure that they will be monitoring all those activities that need to be neutralized on the celebration of the Sinulog festival,” Bearis said.
Bearis said they have not yet received any threat that would disturb the peaceful conduct of Sinulog. (AYB, TPT)