THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is preparing to provide tight security for the Walk with Mary, which will begin at 4 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2025, and start at Fuente Osmeña Rotunda.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, CCPO deputy city director for operations, said they have already prepared over 1,400 uniformed personnel and hundreds of soldiers who will serve as area security for the procession.
Macatangay added that they are thoroughly preparing for the event, expecting a large turnout of Catholic devotees.
To ensure crowd control, around 22,000 students from various schools will assist in keeping people from approaching the carriages during the procession to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
“We will be fielding more than 1,400 PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel for the entire event and this will speak of the PNP alone. We will also be complimented by the Philippine Army-Joint Task Group Cebu and a total of more or less 22,000 students coming from various schools here in Cebu. So ingon ana ka daghan ang mo salmot sa pan ensure sa safety ani nga mao nga religious procession nga ipahigayon (That’s how many people are expected to participate to ensure the safety of this religious procession)," said Macatangay.
Macatangay also said that they have not received any security threats but have raised their alert status to ensure that the religious event proceeds safely and smoothly.
Two hours before the procession starts, all police officers will be positioned along the streets, including the route for the Traslacion heading toward Mandaue City. Civilian police personnel will also be monitoring the area.
The CCPO has also deployed its mobile patrol units in the north and south areas to respond to any emergencies, especially since many people will be walking toward Fuente Osmeña.
They have strictly prohibited individuals carrying sharp objects from participating in the procession to avoid any security threats.
Prior to the event, the Cebu City police, together with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Cebu City Transportation Office, conducted a walkthrough to ensure there would be no problems during the procession. (AYB)