THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and various government agencies conducted a security walk-through of the Sinulog 2026 solemn procession route around 5 a.m. of Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.
Councilor Philip Zafra, vice chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, led the inspection. He was joined by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), the security team of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and other agencies.
The purpose of the inspection was to assess the security and identify potential hazards along the route, which passes through Natalio Bacalso Avenue, turns onto V. Rama, then onto B. Rodriguez, proceeds to General Maxilom Avenue, and returns to the Basilica.
Personnel from the Anti-Mendicancy Board, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), and the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) team also participated to ensure all safety preparations for the Sinulog activities were covered.
Police Colonel George Ylanan, city police chief, said he included all 13 police station chiefs in the inspection because the new route was unfamiliar to them.
Risks on the road
During the walk-through, they identified several risks to public safety, especially for the Catholic devotees joining the procession. These included open manholes that require immediate repair, obstructions on sidewalks that the PROBE team must clear, and choke points (narrowing areas) that need attention.
“So during the inspection, we identified possible risks to public safety, including these open manholes. They will be repaired immediately. Sidewalk obstructions will be removed, and we also identified possible choke points, such as areas where the road narrows from a wide street to a smaller one,” Ylanan said.
He added that the inspection will be followed by a series of security briefings to ensure a smooth and orderly security deployment by the police and other agencies for next year’s Sinulog festival.
The city police are aiming for zero incidents during the solemn procession and the Sinulog Grand Parade.
Ylanan has called for a meeting with security officers from various city establishments, urging them to help monitor against criminal elements. The police also provided the security personnel with tips on identifying criminals to prevent crimes during the holiday season and the Sinulog events. / AYB