Rama tells Cebuanos: Be vigilant, proactive

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has issued an executive order dubbed as Oplan Semana Santa to ensure the safety and security of the city, the Cebuanos and even the tourists this week.

The police force and other law enforcement agencies are on full alert this week, but everyone is also expected to secure one’s homes.

"The Police and other law enforcement agencies are on full alert this week. But still, as your Mayor, I ask you to be vigilant about your security at home, especially when some of you may spend the Holy Week elsewhere other than your residence," Rama said in a statement.

Organizers of different religious activities in different parishes here had also been ordered to have an intensified security plan.

Rama also said the prices of commodities should be monitored to ensure that no one will be taking advantage.

Cebuanos are also encouraged to take note of the emergency hotlines of the city in case of emergency.

"Be proactive. Prepare for contingencies," added Rama.

The City Health Office, the city disaster, and other concerned departments have also been instructed to be on alert.

On the other hand, Rama also echoed Pope Francis and Archbishop Jose Palma’s call for reflection during the Holy Week.

"Let us do so in the spirit of reconciliation, guided by Jesus Christ who told us to love everyone, even those you think are your enemies. As a person, I have no enemies; neither as a politician, only opponents who I hold no rancor and rather choose to keep our friendship," Rama said.

Meanwhile, as part of the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2023, the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) reported that they have recorded more than 40,000 inbound and outbound passengers in various seaports in Cebu.

According to the CPA, they have not received any complaint yet coming from passengers about their travel to and fro to Cebu.

The CPA has also reminded that only passengers with boat tickets and valid identification cards shall be allowed entry into the port at least hours from the scheduled departure time.

CPA will strictly impose the “No ticket, No ID, No Entry Policy.”

LTFRB-7 Regional Director Eduardo Montealto, Jr., on the other hand, said they have issued 108 special permits for modernized and traditional buses, so far.

Montealto said he expected more special permits will be issued tomorrow.

While the DOTr also reminds vehicle owners of the BLOWBAGETS for safe travel; BLOWBAGETS stands for Battery, Lights, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, Self.

The Coast Guard District Central Visayas has also been on heightened alert status from April 2 to 10 in connection with the yearly observance of the Holy Week.

The Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2023 aims to ensure a safe and peaceful travel among passengers as the country is gearing towards Holy Week celebration. —Sanden Anadia, Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon (FREEMAN)