CEBU, Philippines - Police in Talisay City described the annual fiesta celebration in honor of patron Sta. Teresa de Avila as "generally peaceful."
Talisay City Police Chief Superintendent Reycel Carmelo Dayon told The FREEMAN that as far as the authorities were concerned, the solemn procession and the Halad Inasal Festival street dancing went peaceful with no major crimes reported.
"Very solemn sa simbahan ug it was generally peaceful. We were able to manage the crowd," Dayon said.
Despite the huge crowd turnout in yesterday's feast, no major untoward incidents were recorded in Talisay City, according to Dayon, who attributed the peacefulness to the security plans being instituted in different areas in the city.
Dayon, however, admitted that there was heavy vehicular traffic in Barangay Poblacion, where the Sta. Teresa de Avila Parish Church is located.
Dayon added that the street dancing for Halad Inasal Festival was also peaceful.
"Very crowded ang kadalanan ug carnavals pero hapsay ra ang dagan," the police chief said.
The Halad Inasal Festival started in 2002 during the incumbency of former Talisay mayor and congressman Eduardo Gullas.
Halad Inasal Festival in Talisay City was not a competition this year because of funding constraints. — Garry B. Lao (FREEMAN)