Devotees asked to be vigilant

The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) advised the public visiting the Virgen dela Regla Parish for its fiesta celebration today to be mindful of their belongings

Supt. Elmer Lim, LCPO deputy city director for operations, advised the devotees to be responsible in guarding their personal items that are attractive to snatchers or thieves.

Parents should also keep their eyes on their children while hearing mass or while attending a solemn procession of the image of Our Lady of the Rule.

The solemn procession was done yesterday afternoon after the 4 p.m. mass. There was no untoward incident reported while petty crimes were recorded in police stations and were immediately addressed by the responding police.

"I have yet to obtain estimated figures of individuals going here for the city's fiesta but hopefully, the celebration will be peaceful and orderly," Lim added.

LCPO is closely coordinating with the personnel from City Traffic Management Systems (CTMS) for the two-day event.

At least 253 police, including barangay tanods and members of City of Lapu-Lapu Auxiliary Force (CLAF), are deployed around the Virgen dela Regla Parish in Barangay Poblacion.

"We also have 24 police assistance desks around the area. They are on duty for 24 hours," Lim said.

The police and force multipliers were divided into two shifts who will take turn in keeping the peace and order during the celebrations.

The fiesta kicked off last November 12 through a fluvial procession on the waters off Mactan Channel.