THE Cebu City Government will install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras along the route of the Sinulog Grand Parade and in places where crowds are expected.
At no cost to the City, Councilor Dave Tumulak said, 26 CCTV cameras will be put up starting today, aside from the 30 installed earlier.
“This is an additional security for the Cebuanos who will be joining the Sinulog festivity,” Tumulak said.
He said three CCTV camera providers offered the City the use of their cameras for free for the Sinulog.
The cameras are expected to be operational by Thursday.
The Cebu City Command and Control Center (C3) will operate the security cameras.
Mayor Michael Rama will also write the business establishments located along the parade route to allow the public to use their comfort rooms during Sinulog.
Also during the grand parade, photographers and those who have drone cameras will not be allowed to use their equipment outside the Cebu City Sports Center Grandstand.
“We only allow the equipment inside the grandstand given that they will secure permits from the City Government,” Tumulak said.
Yesterday, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 placed Cebu City under full alert status in preparation for the grand parade on Sunday.
Senior Supt. Conrado Capa, PRO 7 deputy regional director for operations, said no police officer is allowed to take a leave of absence while those on leave are called to be back in active duty.
Also, a gun ban is in effect starting yesterday until Jan. 19 and all permits to carry firearms outside are suspended.
Senior Supt. Pablo Labra II, acting chief of PRO 7 Regional Intelligence Division (RID), said they are closely monitoring terminals, wharfs and airports for any terroristic activities.
Police are profiling passengers and checking their belongings, he said.
The Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) will help the Cebu City Police Office by conducting checkpoints, said CPPO Director Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac.