Signal jam on Simbang Gabi, Sinulog

The police, Church and Cebu City authorities are preparing to tighten security in the coming Sinulog celebration in January.

One of the things they agreed on was the jamming of telecommunication signals during the seaborne procession on Saturday, Jan. 19 and the Sinulog Granda Parade on Sunday, Jan. 20.

Police Regional Office 7 Director Debold Sinas clarified that only the signal along the route will be turned off by the National Telecommunications Commission. But it will not be for the entire day.

The police are trying to prevent the use of cellular phone signals in terrorism activities.

A dry-run on the signal jam will be implemented on Dec. 16, the first day of Simbang Gabi.

Sinas said police will close the road surrounding the Basilica del Santo Niño so that the entrance and exit will be placed there. Security will conduct inspection on the road so that it will not be obstructed inside the Church.

The Cebu City Government, through Councilor Dave Tumulak, agreed with the security plan of Sinas, including the procedure in allowing devotees inside the Church. He also doesn’t have any objection to the planned closure of the road to vehicular traffic.

Fr. Alladin Luzon, chairman of the Public Order and Safety Committee of the Fiesta Señor, praised the preparation made by the police and other sectors.

Alcoholic drinks and street parties after the Sinulog Grand Parade are still banned.

The police acknowledged that the ban is effective in the implementation of peace and order during the Sinulog celebration.

Sinas also urged authorities to disallow the parking of vehicles around the Fuente Osmeña rotunda when the activities inside the Fuente Osmeña circle start.