Mandaue braces for Traslacion
Police, soldiers to conduct “security sweeps” with the help of K9 dogs and a team from the explosives and ordnance division as early as the day before the event
DEVOTEES and spectators are advised not to bring backpacks and balloons during the Traslacion on Jan. 13, especially when the parade reaches Mandaue City.
The City Government and the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) are also discouraging people from using firecrackers and confettis along the route leading to the National Shrine of St. Joseph.
From Cebu City, the Traslacion will pass Lopez Jaena St., straight to A. del Rosario St., then right turn to S. B. Cabahug St. to the shrine.
Mayor Luigi Quisumbing announced that roads leading to the church will be closed as early as 4 a.m.
Quisumbing said MCPO personnel and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will conduct “security sweeps” together with K9 dog handlers and a team from the explosives and ordnance division as early as the day before the event.
No to backpacks
In a separate interview, Supt. Jonathan Abella, deputy city director for administration of MCPO, said requesting the people to leave their backpacks during the Traslacion is one way to prevent untoward incidents.
Abella said backpacks have been used by terrorists in previous bombing incidents.
“If we see someone bringing a backpack, we will approach and ask him what is inside the bag. If that person refuses to let his bag be checked, then we will not let him join the activity and he will be advised to not go near the public,” Abella said in Cebuano.
Around 600 security personnel, including force multipliers, will be deployed in different areas in the city, especially inside the compound of the National Shrine of St. Joseph.
MCPO personnel will be assigned there during the overnight vigil for the Sto. Niño until the fluvial procession the next day.
Glenn Antigua, chief for operations of the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue, said several roads will be affected during the Traslacion.
He said they will finalize which roads will be open during the final briefing at the City Hall today.
Drone permit
Last year, the Traslacion passed Gov. M. Cuenco Ave. in Banilad then to A.S. Fortuna St.
In a related development, drone operators who want to take aerial shots during the Sinulog festival have to secure a permit from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.
Cebu City Police Office Director Senior Supt. Joel Doria said that drones that will not be used by authorities to monitor the festivities will pose a security risk to the crowd.
Aside from a permit from the PRO 7, operators must also secure a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
To secure a permit, a drone operator should write a letter to PRO 7 Director Noli Taliño, state the purpose of the use and the authorized owner of the drone.
Fireworks and balloons will also be prohibited during the Sinulog Grand Parade as these might damage the main line of electric posts.