Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) – Communication signals will be not be shut down in all of the events leading to the Feast of the Santo Nino de Cebu and during the Sinulog Festival on January 21, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said Wednesday.
\”No shut off. That is my stand. I have been always making that statement,\” Rama said during the sendoff ceremeony for security personnel.
\”They have to listen and they should listen. Why? Because we are the ones who are here and we know the 459th fiesta and we never would risk having a Jurassic festival.\”
At least 3,500 members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fire Protection will be deployed starting Wednesday to secure the festivities.
Cebu City Police Office Director PCOL Ireneo Dalogdog said security protocols are in place for the festivities which are expected to draw thousands of devotees and tourists to Cebu City.
\”We will always submit to the wisdom of our City Mayor, Hon. Michael Lopez Rama, so kung ano yung gusto niya susundin natin siya [so whatever she wants we will follow],\” Dalogdog said in an interview.
There are two aspects to the festivities in Cebu: one is the religious (Fiesta Señor) and the other is the cultural (Sinulog). Two major festival parades will be held for the Sinulog, including the January 14 Sinulog sa Lalawigan, and the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 21.
