Maundy Thursday in Cebu City peaceful


CEBU CITY – No untoward incidents were reported on Maundy Thursday as police visibility was increased in major churches, ports and terminals here.

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POLICE Col. Noel Flores (left), deputy regional director for operations of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas, and Cebu City Police Office chief Police Col. Ireneo Dalogdog talk to a passenger during their inspection of the Cebu South Bus Terminal on Maundy Thursday. (Calvin D. Cordova)

Police Col. Ireneo Dalogdog, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said assistance desks were set up in major terminals, ports, and churches to enable police to immediately respond to emergencies.

Dalogdog and Police Col. Noel Flores, deputy regional director for operations of the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas, conducted an inspection in Pier 3, Cebu South Bus Terminal, Good Shepherd in Barangay Banaway, and Tabor Hills in Barangay Talamban on Maundy Thursday.

“We’ve noticed that passengers in port and bus terminals have started to swell. People have also started visiting religious places such as in Good Shepherd and Tabor Hills but we have not received reports of untoward incidents. We have deployed enough personnel in public places especially in terminals to ensure the safety of the commuters,” said Dalogdog.

Police checkpoints were also mounted in various areas in this city.

Dalogdog said church visits will only be allowed until 10 p.m. to prevent untoward incidents.

“It’s during late at night that troubles happen because some people are already drunk. Intoxicated people visiting or gathering in churches may cause the start of troubles,” said Dalogdog.

The Cebu Port Authority is also on heightened alert from  March 17 to 31 due to the expected surge of passengers.

At Pier 1, police and Coast Guard personnel manned entrance gates while a “Malasakit Desk,” a police assistance desk, and a first aid station were put up.

The Coast Guard District Central Visayas deployed 500 personnel in various ports in Central Visayas.

Sniffing dogs were also deployed to inspect passenger baggage.

Passengers were strictly reminded not to bring bladed weapons, flammable items, illegal substance, and other prohibited items.