The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has not monitored any threat to security ahead of the upcoming Sinulog Festival and other post-festival activities in Cebu City.
Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of AFP's Visayas Command (VISCOM), said a total of 865 military personnel were fielded on the ground to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring a safe, orderly, and solemn conduct of the festival.
Of the 865 troops, 350 personnel are from the Philippine Army, 382 from the Philippine Navy; and 133 from the Philippine Air Force.
These are apart from the 400 cadets from the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) that were also committed for the week-long festivity.
The troops were tasked to man the security during the conduct of the Penitential Walk, Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan, Sinulog sa Lalawigan, Fluvial Parade, Solemn Procession, and the highlight of the event -- the Sinulog Grand Parade at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City on Jan. 21.
"In the observance of the solemnity of the celebration of Fiesta Señor, we will continue to be relentless in our security efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people who will be attending the series of festival activities. We are taking measures to prevent any threats from occurring during the festivity considering that we are expecting a huge crowd of devotees and pilgrims who will take part on the said religious celebration," Arevalo said on Saturday, Jan. 13.
"We have not monitored any threat to the festivity. However, we will remain vigilant and will heighten our security efforts to prevent lawless elements and other threats from mounting untoward incidents that may hamper the celebration and sow fear to our people," he added.
Apart from the security personnel, a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was also organized and its Command Operations Center (COC) was activated by the VISCOM "to closely monitor the events and ensure a coordinated and timely response in case of any eventuality that may arise."
The AFP contingent are part of the 3,500 security forces that are deployed for this year's Sinulog following the send-off ceremony held last Jan. 10 at the SM City Seaside in Cebu.
The annual Sinulog Festival is a deeply-rooted religious celebration that traces its origins to the Feast of Santo Niño or the Child Jesus.
According to the Sinulog Foundation, Inc., the term "sinulog" is derived from the Cebuano word "sulog" which means "like water current", a "fitting metaphor for the dynamic and rhythmic dance that defines Sinulog."
The foundation said that the history of Sinulog can be traced back to 1521 when Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan arrived in Cebu and gave the iconic image of the Santo Niño to Queen Juana, wife of local chieftain Rajah Humabon, as a gift, which then became a "symbol of faith and devotion" for the devotees.
Drawing millions of devotees and tourists annually, the Sinulog Festival is held every third Sunday of January. It is highlighted by the Sinulog Grand Parade where participants wear vibrant costumes and "dance to the rhythmic beat of drums and chants in honor of the Santo Niño."
This year's Sinulog Festival kicked off with a grand opening celebration on Friday, Jan. 12.