For Fiesta Señor: 6,500 security personnel deployed

CEBU, Philippines — More than 6,500 police and other uniformed personnel have been deployed starting Monday to ensure public safety and security during the 461st Fiesta Señor and Sinulog 2026 activities.

The deployment was formally launched during a send-off ceremony held at the Cebu City Sports Complex.

Among those deployed were 2,816 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP); 145 firefighters from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP); 100 personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG); 637 members of the Philippine Army (PA); 324 jail officers from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP); 20 medical staff from the Department of Health (DOH); 324 traffic enforcers from the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO); and 603 force multipliers.

The ceremony opened with a Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Danilo Carido, O.S.A., vice rector of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. Basilica Rector Rev. Fr. Andres Rivera highlighted the religious and cultural significance of the feast of Señor Santo Niño and urged security personnel to help preserve the sanctity of the celebration.

Fr. Carido and the Augustinian friars of the basilica offered prayers and guidance for the law enforcement personnel tasked with securing the religious and cultural festivities.

Several logistical resources were also blessed, including 15 patrol cars, 15 motorcycle units, 20 water assets, 638 radio communication devices, 17 drone cameras, 30 megaphones, 12 metal detectors, 1,605 raincoats, and six fire trucks.

The ceremony was attended by Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Police Regional Office-7 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) officer-in-charge Police Col. George Ylanan, along with other law enforcement officials and city leaders.

In his message, Archival described the security personnel as the backbone of the celebration, underscoring their critical role in maintaining peace and order.

“You are the backbone of this celebration. Your presence ensures peace, safety, order, and compassion amid the crowd. While others celebrate, you serve—often quietly and selflessly,” Archival said.

He added that the number of security personnel will increase to about 10,000 as the festivities peak, with four to five million people expected to flock to Cebu for the celebrations.

Maranan assured the public that comprehensive security measures are in place to protect devotees and spectators.

“With the thousands of able bodies and the hundreds of mobility resources, I assure you that the security plan will be implemented flawlessly and executed perfectly,” Maranan said.

He noted that additional police personnel and mobility assets were drawn from other units in the region to augment Cebu City’s resources.

Among the assets launched was a state-of-the-art Command Center Vehicle capable of monitoring thousands of closed-circuit television (CCTV) feeds across Central Visayas in real time.

Maranan confirmed that the P2-million mobile command center—the first of its kind in the region—was procured by PRO-7 and is equipped with advanced technology for on-the-ground operations.

“This is an additional capability for PRO-7 because our command centers are usually static. This time, we already have a mobile command center. Wherever the heat of the action is, that’s where real-time monitoring will be,” Maranan said in a separate interview.

The vehicle is equipped with three computer sets, satellite connectivity, and a generator-powered system to ensure uninterrupted operations.

With support from local government units, Maranan said more command center vehicles will soon be procured and distributed to other city and provincial police offices in Central Visayas.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, media liaison of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, said security preparations for the 461st Fiesta Señor is already in place.

“Sa religious side o sa Basilica, andam na tanan. Ang atong gipaabot na lang jud ang adlaw sa Opening Salvo,” he said.

The Fiesta Señor will officially kick off on Thursday, January 8, with the traditional Penitential Walk with Jesus from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the basilica.

Fr. Almerez also reminded devotees to observe the dos and don’ts, including refraining from bringing large backpacks and camping chairs, and strictly following the dress code when entering the basilica, as posted on its official Facebook page.

With the theme “In Santo Niño We Are One,” Fr. Almerez expressed hope for a vibrant and united celebration, with millions of devotees expected to attend.

“We are expecting a vibrant celebration. Based on our theme, we hope to see everyone united in this celebration, with no one left behind,” he said. — (FREEMAN)