Cebu City Councilor Zafra: Peaceful pre-Sinulog events

CEBU, Philippines — Even with a bigger crowd this year, the first few events leading to the Sinulog 2024 Grand Festival have been generally peaceful.

This was the assessment of Councilor Philip Zafra, chairman of the Committee of Peace and Order of the Cebu City council, as well as of the Cebu City Police Office, on the first days of the Novena Masses and the first three cultural events for Sinulog 2024, particularly the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan and the Sinulog sa Lalawigan.

“Nag malampuson, hapsay, nagmalinawon, unya ang last event nga atong nasaksihan kagahapon, ang Sinulog sa Lalawigan, diin nigawas sad nga ingon ta, maayo kaayo. Ingnon ta, han-ay, then wa gyuy kakuli-an atong naagian,” said Zafra.

In line with this, Zafra extends his gratitude to the public for following the guidelines implemented during the Novena masses and the cultural events. Likewise, he also commends the local police for the tight security measures implemented.

As for crowd control, Zafra said so far the novena masses and Sinulog events have been in order. He, however, disclosed that there was a disruption caused by a few misunderstandings at the entrance of the Sinulog sa Lalawigan at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

“Kay naay mga confusion gamay kay libre baya to. Hinuon eventually, nahan-ay ra gihapon didto ug nakapadayon sa atong aktibidades,” said Zafra.

The confusion reportedly was from those who were able to buy tickets online to watch the Sinulog sa Lalawigan.

“Maybe ang sa online ilang napalit sa showdown, so mao rana,” said Zafra, adding that they have seen the influx of the crowd this year, possibly because the COVID-19 scare is not as prevalent as the previous years.

“So nakita nato nga daghan ron and of course, kita karon mas ni improved sad atong preparation, especially didto sa ritual showdown area,” said Zafra.

As for the medical emergencies, the city only recorded minor incidents with around 63 participants from different areas catered by the medical teams.

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, Harold Alcontin said most of them only suffered cramps while six fainted, but was stabilized right away. No one was brought to the hospital. Alcontin said their medical team prepared well based on the lessons of the past events at the CCSC.

Further, Zafra said they’re continually preparing for the grand ritual showdown this Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, and is encouraging more sponsors and the barangays to set up their tents around the South Road Properties (SRP) grounds for the spectators.

With this, Zafra also calls private entities to do the same and allow the city government to borrow tents to be used during the grand ritual showdown.

“Ipa set up didto. Ipakatag nato didto sa SRP kay mao man gyud na'y usa sa concerns sa atong mga kaigsuonan, ang ilang kapasilongan so ato ng tutokan nga naay kapasilongan atong mga kaigsuonan didto sa SRP,” said Zafra.

Additional Police

Meanwhile, Zafra said Cebu City has received additional police augmentation from the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 that corresponds to the ideal number of police deployed for the celebration. This is to support the deployment from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and the Cebu Police Provincial Office CPPO).

Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, CCPO spokesperson, said no crimes or untoward incidents were reported during the Sinulog sa Lalawigan and Sinulog sa Dakbayan, wherein they had over 1,500 police and force multipliers assigned all over the city.

“Malipayon pud ta nga wala gyud tay nataho nga mga krimen especially along the route or during the conduct of the activity at the CCSC,” Rafter said.

Rafter said that aside from deploying security personnel this Sunday, they will also deploy four “bust buses” which will serve as holding areas for violators, unruly individuals, and persons who are also under the influence of alcohol.

Two of these bust buses will be stationed at the SRP for the grand parade but will later be moved to other locations depending on the volume of the crowd, and the other two will be placed at different locations.

After the grand parade, they will transfer two bust buses from the SRP to Mango Avenue, one at Plaza Independencia, and one at Fuente Osmeña, as there will also be activities in the area.

Appropriate charges will be filed against the apprehended individuals.

Red Cross

Apart from that, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed two rescue boats, four ambulance units, first-aid stations with welfare desks, a food truck, and an Emergency Medical Unit/Tent (EMU) along the venues of Sinulog Festival’s month-long celebration.

Also, 200 PRC personnel from PRC Cebu Chapter and PRC Lapu-Lapu/Cordova Chapter, including volunteers, EMS foot patrollers, water search and rescue teams, a medical corps, in-house doctors, and welfare teams, are mobilized to provide EMS and operate the first aid stations, welfare desks, and EMU.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon in a statement lauded the PRC teams for their dedication to serving the Filipino people not just in times of disasters but also during one of the country's most celebrated religious events.

Gordon also gave assurance of the PRC’s presence until the Sinulog Festival is concluded.

“Our EMS teams will remain on standby to deliver medical attention to Filipinos and international tourists participating in the Sinulog Festival,” he said.

PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang, meanwhile, advised the public to exercise caution while participating in the celebration.

“Drink a lot of water and bring snacks. Please also wear proper clothing and footwear,” said Dr. Pang, adding that the attendees can check the safety reminders on PRC’s social media platforms. — (FREEMAN)