Liquor ban, signal shutdown effective

CEBU, Philippines — The ban on hard drinks and parties along the Grand Parade route and the shutdown of cellphone signals for several hours were effective in keeping the peace and security during the Sinulog Festival weekend, authorities said.

They believe the same measures should be put in place next year.

BAN

Nagiel Bañacia, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said: “It was, for me, orderly and peaceful. Dako kaayo og natabang nga gi-ban ang pag-inom along the route ug mga parties pod. Mas na-observe nato nga successful atong festival ug ang religious aspect.”

The ban covered a 300-meter radius along the route of the Grand Parade last Sunday and the Solemn Procession the day before.

“Dako’g natabang ang liquor ban kay sayo kaayo ta nakapanglimpyo, nakaabli sa dalan, sayo nakapauli, og safe kaayo atong mga spectators nga nitan-aw sa Sinulog,” said Councilor David Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters and chairperson of the Sinulog Festival executive committee.

The city implemented the ban following situations in previous years when spectators of the Grand Parade who have been drinking since daytime would compromise the safety of other people and motorists come nighttime.

Intoxicated party goers were even seen slumped in sidewalks.

Unruly crowds, particularly on General Maxilom Avenue and Juana Osmeña Street in uptown Cebu City, have prompted authorities to send police and military personnel for control.

This year, at least, aside from controlling the situation uptown, the ban proved to be beneficial for the city as it was able to redistribute police personnel, for example, to a concert at Plaza Independencia downtown, which drew a massive crowd.

“Since Baseline is currently peaceful enough that I can direct more police resources from there to the Plaza, I have ordered them to not shut it down, at least for as long as the crowd doesn’t become rowdy,” said Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Baseline was an establishment along Juana Osmeña Street whose grounds played host to parties on the day of the Grand Parade.

At least five establishments were found violating the ban and police are now gathering evidence so that appropriate actions can be undertaken.

Signal shutdown

The police, too, will recommend the signal shutdown next Sinulog.

"I'd still recommend kay mawala ang tsansa sa improvised explosive device (IED) nga ma-detonate… mura ba sa process of elimination, wala na na nga threat… gamble man gud na… at least, plano ta og daog," said Supt. Julian Entoma, operations in charge of the Cebu City Police Office.

Cellphone signals in certain areas in Cebu City were shut down for several hours during the Solemn Procession last Saturday and during the Grand Parade last Sunday.

The shutdown was implemented following a recommendation of the Sinulog task force, which was composed of local government units and law enforcement agencies.

Overall, Entoma said the Sinulog this year was generally peaceful.

"Malampuson nga napahigayon ang kalihukan. Sa general assessment, talagang peaceful ating Sinulog," he said.

Recommendations

Tumulak, for his part, said he will even recommend widening the scope of the liquor and party ban.

From the end, the police recommended that steel railings be placed along the Grand Parade route to separate the dancing contingents from the spectators.

"Usa sa gisugyot sa among outgoing RD Espino nga kung mahimo, i-railings jud na siya, niya atong police, diha lang sa kada joint… in case of emergency, pwede makuha, dili ta magdasok… nindot unta na mahitabo," Entoma said.

Last Sunday, the Grand Parade experienced delay after crowds encroached parts of the street in certain areas, which made it difficult for dancing contingents to pass through.

Entoma said it would also help if cops can be given reflectorized vests so they can be found and identified easily by people seeking help.

An estimated two million people hit the streets last Sunday for the Grand Parade. Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, Clydyl L. Avila, May B. Miasco (FREEMAN)