Central Visayas authorities implement strict security measures

As Catholics in Central Visayas settle to observe Maunday Thursday, Good Friday, Black Saturday and Easter Sunday, authorities have gone into full gear implementing measures to secure the public and vital places from destructive disruptions.

Governor Gwen Garcia yesterday morning made a surprise visit at the Cebu South Bus Terminal to inspect the facility and the enforcement of security measures. With her were Provincial Police director Vicente Loot, Traffic Management head Abdalun Awilun, and Land Transportation Office regional director Alex Leyson.

The governor was satisfied with the security situation in the area, which has been beefed up with bomb squad and anti-drug authorities. She ordered Capitol employees, assigned at the terminal, to be "on full alert" within 24 hours also, as she warned bus operators from overcharging and overloading.

Police Regional Office-7 director Eduardo Gador said the police force has been on heightened alert throughout the Holy Week, securing churches and religious shrines, and vacation spots such as Bantayan Island, and beach resorts in Cebu, Negros, Bohol and Siquijor provinces.

Gador said he already ordered all police station chiefs throughout the region to enforce roving patrols in their respective residential areas to check on thieves and burglars who might take advantage of the situation.

Cebu City Police director Melvin Gayotin, for his part, said policemen from the RMG-7 are expected to augment the Guadalupe Police station where the Buhing Kalbaryo will be held on Good Friday.

A multitude of people is expected to converge at Guadalupe to see Buhing Kalbaryo, which will show the actual nailing on the cross of Gilbert Bargayo.

On Saturday, policemen and K9 personnel will be sent to Minglanilla town for the popular Easter Sunday celebration, "Sugat sa Minglanilla," said Supt. Erson Digal, deputy provincial director for operations.

Today, Maundy Thursday, masses will be held on the different parishes with Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal set to celebrate Mass of the Last Supper at the Cathedral at 4 p.m. A procession will be held later in the evening.

On Good Friday, the Siete Palabras will be held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, from 12 noon to 3 p.m., with Cardinal Vidal making a recap of the messages or last words of Jesus Christ in His crucifixion.

The interpreters of Christ's seven last words are Reverend Fathers Dennis Villarojo, Jesper John Petralba, Jose Maria Lim, Mar Balili, Ramon Ofredo, Adnis Aquino, Socrates Saldua, and Bishop Julito Cortez. - Flor Z.Perolina, Cristina C. Birondo and Jasmin Uy