CEBU CITY — Mayor Michael Rama has banned street parties during the Sinulog Festival here on Jan. 15.
Rama said prohibiting street parties is one of the safety precautions that the city is taking to ensure an “enjoyable and meaningful experience” and prevent untoward incidents during the occasion.
“Sinulog as an Asian festival is not only an attraction and event to the Cebuanos and Bisaya but an exercise of homage to the Holy Child Jesus right in the City of Cebu as the cradle of Christianity in the country,” Rama said in an executive order (EO) signed on Jan. 7 and released to the media on Sunday, Jan. 8.
Rama’s order emphasized the need to come up with safety precautions not just for Sinulog but also for other public events.
The mayor had specific orders intended for the Sinulog.
Rama instructed the strict implementation of anti-littering and the gun ban from Jan. 7 to 21.
Gambling on the streets and bringing of bladed weapons during the Sinulog revelry were also prohibited.
Rama instructed the Task Force Disiplina, headed by Col. Ireneo Dalogdog, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), to enforce “all relevant and existing laws” to ensure a peaceful Sinulog celebration.
The mayor also ordered the CCPO to increase police visibility and regular conduct of mobile and foot patrol all over the city as crime deterrence.