Countdown To Sinulog 2011: "Very crucial stage" begins - cops

CEBU, Philippines - Yesterday was the start of the so-called “very crucial stage” for policemen in Metro Cebu, which will reach its peak on the day of the Grand Parade of the 2011 Sinulog festivities next month.

Albeit thankful, Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, chief of the City Police Intelligence Branch, admitted it is somewhat unusual that no major cases of robbery and even ‘terrorist attacks’ have happened this month, unlike last year.

“Ma-observe nato nga wala ju’y mga dagkong alarma karong buwana, which is kasagaran naa’y mahitabo na mga robbery… unusual ba…so we will be doubling our effort,” Santander said.

Next month, millions of devotees and tourists are expected to flock to Cebu for the annual Sinulog festival. Last year, authorities estimated the crowd at eight million, bigger than the population of the entire Cebu province, which is about five million.

He said their operations have returned to normal after Christmas Day, but random checkpoints would still be conducted in major thoroughfares in the city. Santander called on the public to bear with the police because the checkpoints are being conducted to keep everyone safe.

He also urged the public to continue being extra careful until the New Year.

With the absence of robbery, terrorist attack, and any heinous crimes, the CCPO declared the city as generally peaceful and orderly during the Christmas celebration.

Santander said a few shooting incidents have transpired and some of the victims were even killed, but these were reportedly isolated cases.

“It’s not the reason nga gubot ang Christmas kay more of personal conflict ra man gud na between the victim and the suspect. Makaingon ta nga normal ra ang patay. Usually ang December is crucial kay naa’y mga robbery, but this month wala,” Santander said.

Aside from taking a close look on street gangs, the police were also busy guarding the parking areas of churches to prevent the notorious group “Bukas kotse gang” from striking. What the group does is to break a portion of a car’s window, enough for a person to squeeze into the vehicle and steal the valuables.

Santander also urged vehicle owners not to leave valuables inside their cars so as not to “tempt” potential robbers.   (FREEMAN NEWS)