Moving Sinulog parties to SRP ‘a good idea’

Police in Cebu City have welcomed Mayor Tomas Osmeña's proposal to allow street parties only at the South Road Properties (SRP) during the Sinulog Festival next year.

“Kung magiging concentrated lang sa isa o dalawang area ang celebration ng Sinulog, mas magiging madali na i-secure,” Chief Inspector Christopher Navida, City Intelligence Branch chief, said.

Just like last year, Navida said the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will be on full force in implementing security measures during the festival, which is considered the biggest and grandest in the country.

Navida recalled that the Barangay Intelligence Networks (BINs) and other force multipliers were tapped this year to increase efficacy in securing the city. The same will be done next year.

Osmeña earlier said he is set to issue an executive order banning liquor and parties within the 300-meter radius of the Sinulog 2018 route.

The ban is set to take effect on January 19 to January 21 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Activities prohibited will include concerts, shows, performances, gigs, recitals, events, street parties, putting up of loud speakers and other sound devices.

In issuing the order, Osmeña noted the potential threats on the Sinulog revelers, especially the possibility of rebel groups sowing terror attacks, such as bombing, during the festivities.

Navida said police in the city will coordinate with their regional intelligence counterparts to ensure that terroristic activities will be monitored and prevented during the festival.

He said that since last month, personnel from CCPO's operations division have been meeting with officials from the regional headquarters to lay down the security framework for Sinulog next year.

He also said that since the war in Marawi City has just ended, police will be on full alert status to monitor possible terrorist remnants who may spill over to Cebu City and cause chaos amid the celebrations.

“Considering na katatapos lang din nung war, considered pa rin natin just in case may mga remnants na gusto pumasok dito sa area ng Region 7 (Central Visayas),” Navida said.

He assured though that there is no such threat in Cebu as of the moment based on police monitoring.