Devotee city opens

As inspectors find syringe used for nubain

CEBU, Philippines - The temporary shelter for the devotees of Sr. Sto. Niño opened yesterday as hundreds flocked to the site to get free accommodation until tomorrow.

But upon final inspection yesterday morning just before they started accepting devotees, Department of Manpower Development and Placement Chief Fidel Magno, who led the inspection team, found a loose syringe used for nubain.

Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias said that they suspect it was brought and used by some night dwellers who were able to enter the area last Thursday.

But he assured of tighter security starting yesterday, when they officially opened. Five barangay environmental officers (BEO) were tapped to secure the area. Police personnel will also secure the area 24 hours.

Random inspection will be conducted by the BEOs to ensure that devotees are following the house rules. Bags of the devotees are also inspected upon registration.

Items strictly prohibited in the area are bladed weapons, ice pick, explosive devices, alcoholic beverages, pets and other illegal substances. Devotees will be inspected as they go out and come back.

The area is also being monitored by a security camera. A live stream of the area is available via www.cebucity.gov.ph.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, a total of 1,350 individuals have registered, of which 950 are females and 40 are males.

Most are bringing large baggages containing their merchandise.

City officials admit that most of those who come to the devotee city to stay are entrepreneurs of various items like candles, masks, buri hats and fans, among others.

Capistrano Layar, 45, was among those who took shelter at the place. He came all the way from Pinamungajan bringing with him his wife and two children to pray to the Sto. Niño.

He said this is his fifth year at the devotee city. They brought 3,000 candles to be sold at P1 to P5 each to raise money for their fare back to Pinamungajan.

Couple Melinda and Gilbert Alivio with their two-week old son arrived from Bohol to pick plastic bottles and other recyclables.

Melinda said they took a vacation at his husband’s province, Bohol, and spent all their money. They need to raise money to be able to go home to Tabogon where they live through farming.

Cabarrubias said that the devotee city is tolerating entrepreneurs because they cannot let them stay along the sidewalks.

He said the city will look dirty and unsafe for tourists if they allow them to stay in streets at night.  (FREEMAN)