No VIP treatment for politicos this Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines — Politicians running or not in the midterm elections will not be given special treatment during the Sinulog Festival, authorities said.

Rev. Fr. Aladdin Luzon, OSA, director for safety, security, peace and order, said politicians, who will attend the novena masses and other Sinulog-related activities, will be treated like ordinary citizens as agreed upon by the Philippine National Police and other government agencies.

“Let us join together with the ordinary people in worshipping our Sto. Niño,” he said.

He also urged Sinulog revelers to follow security and traffic protocols to achieve a peaceful and orderly Sinulog celebration

Senior Superintendent Royina Garma, director of Cebu City Police Office, said politicians will not be given special lanes, and advised them to follow the designated entrance and exit points.

“If there are very important persons (VIPs), we will refer them to the presidential security guards, so just follow the rules,” she said.

For security reasons, those who visit the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño are discouraged from bringing of backpacks and balloons.

Flying drones are also prohibited during the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 20 unless their operators have authorization from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7).

The regulation is part of the heightened security measures being implemented for this year’s Sinulog.

Drone operators found without permits will be arrested.

Garma told reporters during yesterday’s inter-agency press conference that over 6,000 policemen and force multipliers from different units and divisions will be deployed during Sinulog.  — KBQ (FREEMAN)