SFI, cops lay down Sinulog security measures

CEBU, Philippines — The local Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) have laid down the security measures for the Sinulog 2020 celebration focusing on some ‘dos and don’ts’ during the event.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Officer-in-Charge Geovanie Maines told reporters Thursday morning in a press briefing that he was appointed as the ground commander for the Sinulog activities.

The conference for the Sinulog security preparations was attended by SFI, the PNP, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime group.

Maines said that during the Grand Parade alone, they will be deploying at least 1,000 PNP personnel.

He added that in every part of the Sinulog celebration, they have already planned on deploying specific number of personnel as installment for the security.

Maines also said that in their conference they have already talked about the several ‘dos and don’ts’ that they will strictly implement during the celebration.

The PNP is also considering signal disruptions during big events.

“Hindi naman totally during the whole duration of Sinulog, katulad lang kapag may malalaking concert,” Maines clarified referring to schedules of disruption of signal.

The SFI has suggested to Maines in the positioning of their personnel.

“Kailangan may mga pulis din na mga nakalagay sa taas na parang platform. They (Sinulog Foundation) will be providing mga platform na tuntongan ng mga police natin just to monitor the activity.” Maines explained.

Flying of drones will be prohibited without the PNP’s approval.

“No PNP permits, no drone.” Maines said.

There will also be an implementation of the liquor ban.

As to the issue on parking spaces, one of the Sinulog board members has suggested to coordinate with mall owners to open their parking areas to the public.

Buses will also be provided that will bring people from the parking spaces into the activity areas.

Meanwhile, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the executive committee of Sinulog Foundation, has encouraged party organizers to hold the concerts inside the malls rather than in open area for tighter security measures, which Colonel Maines agrees with.

“We encourage all event organizers na ato nalang i-held sa mga malls, they can also hold their concerts outside Cebu City that includes Lapu-Lapu and Mandue,” Tumulak said, to divide the crowd and to lessen the traffic.

“Para at least kung sa malls lessen na ang security (deployment) natin doon kasi ang mga malls may mga sariling security na yan at saka confined na ang lugar,” Maines said.

Tumulak emphasized that their coordination with the PNP, PDEA and other government agencies in installing the security measures is ongoing.

"The highlight of the meeting is just to see to it that all security preparations are in place.  Rest assured that as much as we can, this would be much safer," Tumulak assured.

Tumulak added that there are certain innovations that they 'encourage' to implement to avoid untoward incident that may occur.  GAN (FREEMAN)