EDITORIAL - Fiesta security

The police did a commendable job in handling the Fiesta Señor security. Since the Walk with Jesus, which kicked off the fiesta season, to the big day, there were no untoward incidents related to Cebu's grandest religious celebration.

As in the past fiesta celebrations, we have to give credit to the authorities for stepping up their security. It's undeniable that the intensified police visibility has discouraged bad elements from pulling off their trade during fiesta activities.        

The implementation of the liquor ban by the city government also proved to be a right decision because the no-drinking regulation within 300 meters from the Grand Parade greatly helped maintain order along the route.  

However, while the police did a perfect job as far as their security preparations were concerned, there is one thing they should not consider repeating in the next fiesta celebration. And that is the move to jam cellular phone signals.

Yes we have to admit that the signal jam, in one way, contributed to the success in police security. But such move had also caused inconvenience to those involved in emergency situations who had to use their cellular phones.

We understand that the move was aimed at preventing terrorism during the fiesta celebrations in this time when the country is busy waging an anti-terror campaign in Mindanao. However, it would be better if authorities consider finding other measures without jeopardizing the use of public communication.

The authorities should admit that since acquiring cellphone has already become a necessity for every Filipino, its use has also become more crucial during events as important as the annual Fiesta Señor.

In the past, despite the terror threats, the police have managed to secure the fiesta celebrations without messing with the communication signal. Therefore, the public is hopeful that in the next fiesta celebration, part of police security preparations will come not at the expense of public communication.