Huge security for Pedro rites

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippineswill deploy more than 2,000 security personnel during the National Thanksgiving following the canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod on November 30.

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe told The FREEMAN that at least 1,500 policemen will be deployed to control the crowd and secure the roads and guests during the celebrations.

They will also coordinate with the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management on traffic control.

Buenafe said they are working with those involved in the celebrations from the Church on the security preparations.

He said they are also working on the possibility of putting up security cameras at the South Road Properties, the main site of the celebrations.

But he added that they still need to wait for the final list of guests to complete the plans.

AFP participation

For its part, the AFP will deploy 500 to 700 personnel to help secure the celebrations.

Central Command spokesperson Christopher Tampus said they have been preparing for the event as well as the “Duaw Sugbo” activities where Calungsod’s official image travels across the country after the canonization in Rome on October 21.

The image of Calungsod will be transported to Rome on October 16 on board a Cathay Pacific flight.

After the canonization, it will be brought back to the Philippines on October 25 for a tour in Manila and other parts of Luzon. The image will then be brought to Visayas and Mindanao until November 27.

On November 30, a fluvial parade and a foot procession will take place before the image is brought to the SRP for the National Thanksgiving.

Tampus said they are expecting more than a million devotees to flock to the area, including those from other provinces and regions.

He said the military personnel, who are already here, will help make sure that nothing will disrupt the festivities, which will be attended by high-profile personalities, including President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

Aquino will not be able to make it to the canonization rites but will be represented by Vice President Jejomar Binay, who will also be in Cebu during the National Thanksgiving.

Tampus said they will be working hand-in-hand with the PNP on the security aspect of the event.

Both Buenafe and Tampus said there may be additional personnel as security reinforcement for the celebrations.

Church officials are asking devotees to initiate means to maintain peace and order during the gathering.

They also reminded those who want to witness the sendoff of Calungsod’s image on Tuesday to stay at the side of the streets while it passes on its way to the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

From the Pedro Calungsod Shrine at the Archbishop’s Palace, the image will be brought to the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral at 4:30 a.m. for a Holy Mass.

The image will then be paraded to MCIA where a short sendoff ceremony will take place before the image will board the Cathay Pacific flight with Fr. Charles Jayme, its official custodian. — /LPM (FREEMAN)