Police to deploy air asset to monitor Sinulog events

CEBU, Philippines —  For the first time in 40 years since the first Sinulog Festival in 1980, the Philippine National Police is deploying an air asset as part of the Sinulog security contingent.

The Police Regional Office-7 will fly its “Air Bus,” a single engine helicopter that can load up to six people, including the two pilots, to conduct aerial monitoring of the Sinulog activities.

These include the fluvial parade and solemn procession today and the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday.

“PRO-7 requested a helicopter in the aerial security for the Sinulog activity for the whole duration,” said Lt. Col. Wildemar Tiu, member of the air unit of the Special Action Force (SAF).

Tiu said they are supposed to deploy two helicopters for the Sinulog security, especially that President Rodrigo Duterte has confirmed his attendance to the grand parade on Sunday, but only one chopper is available.

“Supposedly duha gani ang gi-approve but we only have one available aircraft to be sent to region seven, but rest assured in the upcoming activity if they need an air support naa ang PNP SAF air unit,” Tiu said.

According to the police, this is the first time in Sinulog history that the PNP is able to deploy air asset as part of the security contingent.

Tiu, who is a member of the flight group, said they will fly by the Sinulog grandstand and the parade route to monitor all the activities.  FPL (FREEMAN)