CEBU, Philippines - As organizers vowed to stage a grander celebration this year, security measures will be heightened during the "Kadaugan sa Mactan," a fast-becoming tourist attraction in Lapu-Lapu City that happens every April 27.
Bladed weapons, as well as softdrink and beer bottles, will be prohibited during the two-day Kadaugan Street Party in Lapu-Lapu City.
Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry "Don" Radaza, chairman of the Kadaugan Street Party, said they will be strictly imposing the ban every year, as part of their campaign to minimize and prevent crimes from happening during the city's grandest celebration.
When the Kadaugan Street Party started three years ago, Radaza said their main concern was the safety and security of the people, especially those who attended the festivities in the streets and various venues.
He said store owners are advised to use plastic instead of glasses and bottles.
Radaza said they are expecting a half million people to join this year's Kadaugan Street Party, based on previous crowd estimates. Last year, the celebration drew in some 400,000 people, according to the police.
The councilor said store owners have already been informed of these measures.
Radaza further said a notice will be displayed at all stores along M.L. Quezon Avenue. Violators will be ordered to stop selling their products, he added.
The Kadaugan Street Party is part of the "Kadaugan sa Mactan," a yearly occasion celebrated in Lapu-Lapu City to mark the historic Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. In that battle, local chieftain Datu Lapu-Lapu vanquished Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan to become the first Filipino on record to resist foreign forces.
The re-enactment of this battle will be a main feature of the celebration. Organizers have confirmed Daniel Matsunaga will play the role of Datu Lapu-Lapu while Carlos Agassi will portray as Magellan. In addition, Venus Raj will act as Reyna Bulakna, the datu's wife.
Earlier, Acting Police Director Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc said they have already made security preparations from the upcoming events in Lapu-Lapu. (FREEMAN)