Signal shutdown eyed
Authorities are not discounting possibility of a signal shutdown for the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 21, albeit zero threats received by the intelligence community.
Superintendent Artemio Ricabo, deputy city director for administration in the Cebu City Police Office, told reporters that signal shutdown is still forthcoming given that threats are unpredictable and may come out of nowhere.
“Case-to-case basis na siya, hinaot lang ta nga wala’y threat para wala’y signal jamming, kay ang signal jamming can happen anytime, if maka-receive mi og threat anytime, mag-shutdown mi og signal without the information of the public,” Ricabo said.
Ricabo added that the recommendation for jamming signals would come from the Police Regional Office-7 intelligence division.
He said that it is better for people attending the celebrations to go back to the old way and designate a meeting place.
“Advice ko lang sa mga tawo, labi na sa naa’y kuyog magsabot sila daan. Until now wala pa gihapo’y final, alternative lang na siya,” Ricabo said.
However, Regional Director Jose Mario Espino already told reporters in previous reports said it would be unnecessary to shut down signals without any form of substantial information, or threats monitored.
Ricabo advised the public not to panic, if the signal is shut down during the grand parade, as police might just be taking precautionary steps to prevent groups from sowing terror amid the festivities.
Meanwhile, the police briefed security managers of over 42 pension houses and 36 big hotels under the area of responsibility of the Fuente police station on how to spot suspicious persons and items during the parade.
“Di makaya sa pulis ang pag-determine kung kinsa ang suspected people nga naa’y intention pag-disturb,” Ricabo said.
Fuente police chief Maria Theresa Macatangay said that they are in constant coordination with the security managers to capacitate them against terrorism.
She also said that these hotels offering accommodation and entertainment within 300 meters of the Sinulog Grand Parade route set by the Cebu City government should strictly adhere to city ordinances during the grand parade.
A total liquor and entertainment ban is expected from the establishments and the guests, so as not to encourage partygoers to drink within the 300 meters of the parade route.
Police reiterated for the public to exercise vigilance and follow rules set by the city government to help authorities achieve zero crime incidence during the festivities.
Mae Clydyl L. Avila/BRP