Sinulog sacrifice: No more parking near Basilica
City Hall says there’s been no security threats so far
SINCE yesterday, the Cebu City Government disallowed the parking of vehicles on several streets near the Basilica del Sto. Niño as part of the Sinulog 2017 celebration.
The City Council, through a resolution, declared a “no parking zone” 10 meters away from the perimeter fence of Basilica del Sto. Niño, particularly along Osmeña Blvd., D. Jakosalem St., and P. Burgos St. since yesterday until Jan. 15.
While this developed, Councilor Dave Tumulak denied reports that there are security threats near the church that prompted them to declare the roads near the basilica as no parking areas.
“As of the moment, we received no threats. We want the public to know that,” he said.
In an interview, Tumulak, who sponsored the resolution, said the move was made for the safety and security of devotees who will troop to the church to attend the novena masses.
Danger
Aside from that, vehicles that will park near the church will also cause traffic and danger to the church- goers, Tumulak added.
“We just want to see to it that all devotees who who will go to church are all safe,” said Tumulak.
He also requested all car and motorcycle owners to park their vehicles away from the basilica.
Priority
Tumulak said the safety and security measures of this year’s festivities are a top priority in all religious and cultural activities related to the Sinulog celebration.
Tumulak said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have augmented their personnel, both uniformed and non-uniformed, to help secure those who will join the celebration.
Around 100 personnel of the Regional Public Safety Battalion of Police Regional Office 7 based in Sibonga arrived in the city yesterday as part of the augmentation force.
“To secure the devotees and city residents, PNP and other law enforcement agencies are in control of the peace and order situation in the city. We also urged the public to follow the instructions stated in the safety tips and measures that we shared,” said Tumulak. USJR Intern Rowinmar Espinosa