Vessels have until tomorrow to register for fluvial parade

Owners and operators of sea vessels who wish to join the fluvial parade on Saturday, one of the major activities in celebration of the feast of Sr. Sto. Niño, still have until tomorrow, Friday, to register with the Cebu Coast Guard.

As of yesterday, the Cebu Coast Guard station registered 35 participants who will join the fluvial parade at the Mactan Channel on the early morning of Saturday.

Cebu Coast Guard station commander Manolito Malig-on, in a press briefing yesterday, said that the registration of sea vessels is part of their strict security measures.

Participants are warned not to bring firecrackers while at sea during the parade to prevent any untoward incidents.

The Coast Guard will also provide one sea craft where media people who will cover the event can go together.

Meanwhile, Regional Maritime Police chief, Supt. Cornelio Salinas, said that they are closely monitoring and conducting inspections of the baggage of passengers entering and going out of the port of Cebu.

Salinas said that the terror threat is always there, prompting them to focus on intelligence gathering in various communities in the region.

Passengers and their baggage are to pass through the x-ray machines installed at the different port terminals.

Salinas also urged those having firearms not to bring it unless they have secured the necessary certificate of exemption issued by the Commission on Elections while gun ban is implemented in the duration of the election period. - Gregg M. Rubio