Sinulog ‘18 will be the strictest: Osmeña

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña reminded the public to help with security and peace and order for this year’s Sinulog activities.

The mayor said he received a report on a bomb threat that is why he described this year’s celebration to be the “strictest.”

“Look for suspicious objects and be aware of your surroundings. An improvised explosive device is designed to look like some innocent item. If you see something, report it. I’m very worry about that more than anything else,” he said.

Asked if he got the information from the police, Osmeña said no.

The risk, he said, is also the reason he didn’t invite foreign guests, so the City and police can focus on securing locals.

Osmeña said he wants the festivity to be child-friendly. “I like to see a Sinulog where parents can bring their children out because it’s safe and they can enjoy it,” he said.

“There are some who don’t like that idea and they want it to be a wild party and I disagree. You should remember that Sto. Niño is a child so the Sinulog is for the children and that is what the Sinulog is all about,” he said.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 7 Director Jose Mario Espino said they have not monitored any security threats that will require shutting down the cell phone signal during the Sinulog festival.

“As of this time, based on threat assessment given to us, wala pa rin kaming natatanggap na (we have not received any) threat that will suffice yung removing of signal ng (of ) telcos,” he said.

Espino assured the public that security preparations are comprehensive.

Espino also said there is no need to implement the gun ban during the Sinulog. He said they did not receive any untoward incident involving gun owners during the revelry last year and he expects the same scenario this year.