Signal shutdown eyed for Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines — Signal shutdown of telecommunication companies is again considered by the Task Force Sinulog for the upcoming festival next year.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) acting director Police Col. Geovannie Maines said the security task force will make a recommendation to the National Telecommunication Commission in Central Visayas.

The disruption of telecommunication signal was among the security measures discussed during the second meeting of the Task Force Sinulog yesterday. Aside from jamming the cellphone signal, the police are also eyeing to prohibit the use of backpack, wearing jackets, and caps during major Sinulog activities like in the previous years.

NTC-7 Director Engr. Jesus Laureno said the recommendation will still have to undergo a long process. But he said that signal jamming for Sinulog is not a new security measure since they have been implementing it in the past upon the request of the PNP and the military.

Also discussed during the meeting yesterday was the security for the Sinulog concert at the South Road Properties. The changes in the route of the Solemn Procession and Fluvial Procession from Mandaue City to Lapu-Lapu and Cebu City were also discussed.

Rev. Fr. Alladin Central, president of the Peace and Safety Security of Sinulog Foundation, is also planning to extend the stay of the image of Señor Santo Niño for one night in Lapu-Lapu City.

The images of Señor Santo Niño and Our Lady of Guadalupe are usually transported to Saint Joseph Shrine in Mandaue City a day before the fluvial procession. The two images will stay for a night in Mandaue City before a dawn procession to Lapu-Lapu City where the Naval Forces Central headquarters, staging area of the fluvial procession, is located.

The Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño has chosen LCT Teofilo Camomot of the Mandaue Shipping Lighterage Corporation to be the “Galleon Trinidad” during the fluvial procession. The Police regional Office-7 will deploy more than 1,000 policemen to secure the annual festivities in Cebu. FPL (FREEMAN)