PCG: Register for fluvial parade

CEBU, Philippines - Authorities have launched a flurry of preparations for a secure and uneventful Sinulog on Jan. 19, with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) encouraging those who would join the Sinulog fluvial procession on Jan. 18 to signify their intention at its office as early as now for the event to be orderly and safe.

This, as the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 met with from taxi and bus operators yesterday in an effort to strengthen the Sinulog security preparations.

Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr., PRO-7 personnel division chief, said they gathered the taxi drivers and operators, who have important roles to play during the festivity, and secured their support and cooperation.

“Gipangayo namo ang ilang (We asked for their) cooperation ug tabang sa (and help to) pag-inform sa kapolisan (the police just) in case dunay (there are suspicious) persons nga mosakay sa ilang taxi ug buses,” Natuel said.

Commodore William Melad, on the other hand, told The FREEMAN said participants to the fluvial procession must register in their office to help the PCG have a concrete idea on how many are joining.

He said they have made a list of possible participants, but admitted they do not have any hold on those who wish to join during the actual day.

The PCG and the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) are designated to secure the route of the fluvial procession Saturday next week.

“We are coordinating with the Navforcen and sa ngayon (as of now) the planning committee ng (of the) PCG is meeting for this,” Melad said, in a telephone interview.

He said they are requesting participants to register because it is better that they know beforehand the exact number of boats and vessels so they could designate a location for each of their boats when the fluvial starts.

“Kung gusto natin nang (If we want a) safe and orderly event, mas mabuti kung alam natin saan sila nakaparada para hindi nakaharang sa (it is best if we know where they are positioned so no one would be blocking the) procession,” he said.

Melad said PCG’s plan for this year is based on the concept of former PCG Commander Rolando Punzalan, with just slight changes to adopt to the route of the fluvial procession.

This year’s route is from Ouano wharf in Mandaue City then to Lapu-Lapu City side of the Mactan Channel before participants maneuver to Barangay Pasil in Cebu City and finally to Pier 1, where the image of the Holy Child would be brought down from a galleon.

On security measures being put in place by PRO-7, Natuel said would give stickers containing police hotlines so drives and conductors of taxis and buses can send a text message to authorities during emergencies straight away.

He said taxi drivers can also contact the numbers just in case he spots a crime while driving.

Chief Inspector Romeo Santander, Cebu City Police Office Intelligence Branch head, on the other hand, said they cannot discount the possibility that some groups from outside might strike in Cebu during the Sinulog.

Santander said that they are now making a profile list of people from other provinces who were already arrested in the past.

“We have identified local boys what we need is the coordination sa (with the) TRS (theft and robbery section),” he said.

Santander said they are now intensifying their intelligence gathering to counter those groups who might take advantage of the Sinulog festivities.

Richard Cabucos, Metro Taxi Operators Association president, said they and the drivers are willing to cooperate with the police.

“Naa tay (We have) special trainings for drivers and conductors.  Ato silang (we) gi-remind kung naa silay makita nga kadudahang tawo naa silay ma-textsan (if they see suspicious-looking persons they have people to send a message to),” he said.

He said they have been telling members to abide with the law always and not to take advantage of their passengers.

In the same meeting, Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association head Julie Flores and Cebu South Bus Operators Association’s Richard Corominas also assured police of their support. –Ria Mae Y. Booc, Bryner L. Diaz/RHM (FREEMAN)