Advice to Sinulog contingents: ‘Devise other ways of communicating’

CEBU, Philippines - All Sinulog Grand Parade contingents and participants are urged to come up with a contingency plan on their communi-cation and security measures tomorrow.

In the final briefing and solidarity meeting yesterday, Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak and Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Ricky Ballesteros told the participants and contingents that their security and safety is the priority of the city.

"Ako lang isulti ninyo nga wala tay impending threats. But, dili ta mokompiyansa. Ang inyong safety atong prayoridad," Tumulak said.

Ballesteros, for his part, said participants should have their contingency plan that will be submitted to the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management office, for better coordination.

He said several medical stations are stationed along the parade route for efficiency in responding in case of emergencies.

Tumulak, on the other hand, said contingents should expect schedule changes during the grand parade, especially if there is a recommendation from the Philippine National Police to cutoff the parade, or to start early, and other several adjustments.

He urged everyone to comply, as the police force knows the real situation in all areas.

He urged that instead of cellphone communication, contingents and participants use handheld radios to communicate with members of each of their group.

"Gipahibawo na daan nga affected ang communication para maka-come up pud sa ilang plano," he said.

Tumulak said all vehicles that would be used in the street parade should be within the parade route before 5 a.m. this Sunday, as the Cebu City Transportation Office will be closing the parade route.

Vehicles that would not be in the route at 5 a.m. would not be included in the parade.

Tumulak said intersections at the parade route will be blocked by trucks loaded with sand and gravel, still for security purposes.

The grand parade starts on New Imus Road, to Gen. Maxilom Avenue, to Fuente Osmeña, down to Osmeña Boulevard and then to the Cebu City Sports Center for the ritual presentation at the grandstand.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office-7 Director Noli Taliño said that aside from uniformed PNP personnel, plainclothesmen would also be deployed as covery security in today's fluvial parade and solemn procession and in tomorrow's grand parade.

He was at the Cebu City Police Office yesterday for a conference to tackle their communication plan since there would be no cellphone signals. He said they would conduct a simulation exercise using their handheld radios.

 "Magkaroon ng radio checks sa lahat ng sector," he said, adding that they have enough radios for today's and tomorrow's use.  

 Handheld radio and landlines would not be affected by the shutting down of cell sites, resulting to the loss of signal, which is implemented as part of stringent security measure for the Sinulog.

Taliño, too, said there is no specific or imminent threat in Cebu, but they are not taking their chances.

"Hindi ko sinasabi na walang threat, paulit-ulit kong sinasabi na walang specific o imminent threat.  Pero yung pangamba nang terorismo ay nandiyan lagi. Sa'ng lugar na man pwede targetin. Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng paraan para sa ganun masigurado natin ang security ng mga kababayan na mag-attend ng Sinulog," he said.

 Aside from the PNP and force multipliers like barangay tanods and volunteers, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is also helping secure the Sinulog.

In particular, a platoon from the AFP Light Reaction Company (LRC) arrived yesterday as an augmentation force for Sinulog security. The LRC is the lead counter-terrorist unit of the Philippine Army.

There are also some K9 units deployed at the Basilica del Sto. Niño and other areas where activities are held. (FREEMAN)