PREPARE contingency plans and brace for a possible signal shutdown today and/or tomorrow.
This is the advice of Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak to the public after the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 confirmed the possibility of a signal shutdown during the Sinulog solemn procession today and/or the grand parade tomorrow.
The PRO 7, though, has yet to receive feedback on its request, which was forwarded to the Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters.
Tumulak, who sits as Sinulog executive committee chairman, said it will be PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa who will grant the approval and give the go signal for the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to shut down cell sites.
Tumulak said they will not divulge the areas that will be affected by the interruption for security reasons.
“There’s a proposal for a signal shutdown for security purposes of the devotees. We can’t say there is a threat or not, but (the) bottom line here is the security of all devotees,” he said.
Since it was the police that made the request, Tumulak said there is a high chance of a signal loss.
Sinulog organizers met with coordinators and choreographers to discuss the new setup for their communication.
The councilor said that should this be finalized, the NTC has prepared radio communicators for contingents.
Not the first time
Hand-held radios will be distributed to coordinators for their exclusive use. They will get a separate radio to communicate with organizers at the Cebu City Sports Center.
The NTC 7, for its part, is ready to grant any requests coming from PNP, Tumulak said.
“As per NTC 7 Director Jesus Laureno, he said the telcos are ready... It will automatically switch off (the signal),” he said.
Tumulak, though, will ask telecommunication companies to limit the coverage of the signal shutdown to Cebu City.
Last year, signal interruption was also experienced in the neighboring provinces of Bohol and Negros Oriental, among others.
Signal jamming was first introduced last year to ensure safety and security.
Around 125 cell sites were shut down for two days. The signal returned an hour after the closing ceremony of the grand parade.
As part of security measures, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. has also required participating companies and contingents to secure their performers and floats within a cordon.
Staff found outside the cordon will not be allowed to enter the CCSC. Companies are also required to secure shirts and IDs for their staff.
Contingents are also required to secure transparent trash bags. Colored trash bags will not be allowed for security measures.