Dump trucks stop terror
The dump trucks were positioned near major intersections to block possible vehicle-ramming attacks by terrorists, and street dividers or center railings were removed to give people space in an emergency.
These were some of the lesser-discussed measures to secure the Sinulog procession and grand parade last Saturday and Sunday. But the most talked-about measure was the shutdown by telecommunications companies of their mobile phone signals.
There was anxiety over how people would communicate with family and friends despite the shutdown, where to get money when dispensing machines, some of them at least, are not working, and what to do with the selfies and video clips taken. People survived the several hours of no signal in those two days with a bit of discomfort. The adjustment was tolerable, except maybe for those in emergency situations who needed phone signal to get help.
A SunStar Cebu poll published in its Opinion section Monday asked readers, “Should the cell sites shutdown be done again in next year’s Sinulog?” Results showed a small difference between those who answered “No” at 54 percent and the “Yes” at 46 percent.
What was announced already was that mobile phone signal will be shut down for the Miss Universe swimsuit competition, to affect parts of Lapu-Lapu City starting 4 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, until Wednesday, January 18.
The cutting of signal is becoming a regular security measure in huge, international gatherings in the country. We had it during the Black Nazarene procession in Manila last January 9 and the Sinulog weekend, and then for the Miss Universe event.
Is there no alternative the police could take to enhance security? Would a no-signal order now be a requirement for big events?
During the Sinulog weekend, dump trucks were strategically positioned near intersections. It must have been a security measure learned from terrorist ramming attacks during a gathering of soldiers in Jerusalem, at a Christmas market in west Berlin, Germany, and in a festival in Nice, France.
In addition, center metal railings on General Maxilom Ave. and other areas were removed for the procession and parade to give participants and the public more space to move in case of an emergency.
These were good, additional security moves by the local police. Not as announced as the mobile phone signal shutdown but they may have discouraged terrorists.
They were not bothered by the absence of mobile phone signal here because they were not in Cebu, yet they participated and enjoyed the Sinulog.
They were from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Qatar, New Zealand, Australia, and Japan.
“Hello, Cebu! Desquitado family would like to greet you a Happy #Sinulog2017 from Texas, USA! Viva Pit Senyor!” said Drexiel (@Drexiel98) on Twitter.
To watch a replay of the grand parade video, go to http://cebu.sunstar.com.ph/sinulog/.