‘Successful, orderly’

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City police described the kick-off of the Sinulog Festival 2023 as "successful and orderly."

The official launch was held on Friday, January 6.

Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said they had not recorded any untoward incidents until the event was finished.

He added that no incidents of pickpocketing and other forms of criminality were recorded.

Dalogdog said that at least 409 personnel from the police were deployed to man the event. Also, he said, there were other personnel deployed from their other agency partners, such as Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) and the Philippine Coast Guard Cebu Office, among others.

There were also force multipliers placed in the areas covered for the event to ensure security, said Dalogdog.

The Sinulog launching began with a mass celebration presided over by Monsignor Roberto Alesna at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu at around 3 p.m.

It was then followed by a parade from the Basilica towards the Cebu City Sports Center at 4:30 p.m., led by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and his wife, Malou.

Festival queens and dancers from different schools in Cebu performed their festival dances to the rhythm of the Sinulog theme song, chanting "Pit Senyor!"

Also, contestants of the Miss Cebu 2023 joined the parade.

Dalogdog said they estimated that about 4,000 participants joined the event, as relayed by Harold Alcontin, head of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).

Following the success of the ongoing Sinulog activities so far, Dalogdog lauded the public's cooperation and asked for their continuous support throughout the finish of the Sinulog celebration.

He also reminded participants to take care of themselves and their belongings at all times.

Aside from Rama, among other government officials who joined the activity were Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, Cebu City Councilors Edu Rama, Joy Pesquera, Philip Zafra, and Dondon Hontiveros.

Marathon

Meanwhile, the Cebu South Coastal Road will be off-limits to vehicular traffic today due to the conduct of a marathon.

Thus, motorists are advised to use N. Bacalso Avenue in going to and from their destinations.

Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas announced this to his constituents, as well as to those who live in neighboring towns and cities.

The CSCR will be closed starting 12 midnight until 10 a.m. today.

The Talisay-Traffic Operation Development Authority (CT-TODA) said that the corner near Laray at the CSCR can still be accessible but not the roads beyond.

CT-TODA reminded motorists to plan their trips accordingly so they will not be trapped in the traffic.  – Gabriel C. Banjoc, JMD (FREEMAN)