CCPO starts Sinulog security preparations

CEBU, Philippines — More than three months before the 362nd Fiesta Señor and Sinulog 2027, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has begun reviewing security issues encountered during last year’s celebration to determine adjustments for the upcoming festivities.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, CCPO deputy city director for operations, said they are gradually identifying security concerns from last year’s Sinulog and the adjustments needed for the 2027 celebration.

“Naa tay mga gi-introduce nga mga security adjustment based on what happened last year. Kining among pagpangandam mahitabo na on a weekly basis until the Sinulog,” Pelare said.

During the 2026 Fiesta Señor and Sinulog, more than 6,500 police and other uniformed personnel were deployed for security operations.

The deployment included 2,816 personnel from the Philippine National Police, 145 firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection, 100 personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard, 637 members of the Philippine Army, 324 jail officers from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, 20 medical staff from the Department of Health, 324 traffic enforcers from the Cebu City Transportation Office and 603 force multipliers.

For the 2027 celebration, Pelare said police are continuing to monitor preparations for the deployment while coordinating with concerned units and agencies.

Police units and partner agencies have also been directed to strengthen their readiness and maintain close coordination ahead of the event. The CCPO is aiming for a celebration without major security incidents.

Meanwhile, CCPO chief Police Colonel Ricky Sumalde met with representatives of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Visayas Regional Office on Monday to discuss security coordination for Sinulog 2027.

The CCPO said the NCMF expressed its readiness to assist in maintaining security in Metro Cebu and coordinate with authorities on potential concerns that could disrupt the celebration.

The meeting forms part of the CCPO’s ongoing security preparations for next year’s Fiesta Señor and Sinulog. — /FPL (FREEMAN)