CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – The Philippine National Police here is expecting an estimated crowd of 5 million to join the Sinulog Festival activities this year. 

To manage the volume of spectators expected to witness the Sinulog activities, the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) already sent off their deployment force of 3,500 security personnel on January 10 in different venues where the 459th Fiesta Señor Sto. Niño and the Sinulog Festival will be conducted.

“We urge everyone to cooperate and follow the rules as we aspire to have a very safe, secured and solemn Señor and Sinulog Festival 2024,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin, PRO7 regional director, in his message during the send-off ceremony held at the South Road Properties. 

PRO7 deputy director for administration, Brig. Gen. Brent Madjaco, said the security force will be deployed at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu, South Road Properties (SRP) where the grand festival will be held, and the Cebu City Sports Center where the Sinulog sa Lalawigan will be conducted.

“You are assured of the unwavering commitment of our security forces,” said Madjaco. 

The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 7 (RDRRMC7) earlier held an emergency preparedness meeting in connection with this year’s Sinulog festivities. 

During the meeting, the PRO7 reported that they had requested the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) for the temporary shutdown of all cellular signals by the different telecommunications providers during some of the Sinulog activities. 

They have also coordinated with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to implement a "no fly zone,” except for government-owned assets, along the routes of the fluvial procession,, solemn procession, and the Sinulog Grand Parade.

The Philippine Coast Guard will also implement a "no-sail zone" at Cebu Mactan Channel during the fluvial procession.

The police will also establish elevated posts along the solemn procession and grand parade routes, conduct intensified anti-criminality operations, implement strict border controls, and establish checkpoints.

The RDRRMC-7 will also activate its virtual emergency operations center to provide a venue for coordination of the council members during the Sinulog activities. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu)