Phone signals off during Cebu’s Sinulog as security measure

CEBU CITY — For the third year in a row, cellular phone signals will be shut down to secure thousands of people who will join the procession in honor of Santo Niño de Cebu and the Sinulog Grand Parade this month.

Jesus Laureno, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) director in Central Visayas, on Monday said the city police’s request was good as approved even if it had yet to be finalized by the NTC central office.

“If there is already a request sent to our central office, I believe it will be approved since our top priority is the safety and security of the public,” he said, citing measures prepared by the police for Cebu’s grandest and biggest celebration.

Business impact

Senior Supt. Royina Garma, city police chief, said the telecommunication signal shutdown would be implemented on Jan. 19 and 20.

“There will be a certain time when the signals will be shut down. We can’t extend it … because several businesses will be affected,” she said.

While the signal shutdown was intended to cover only Cebu City, Garma said it was possible that the neighboring cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu and areas in Bohol province would be affected.

In 2017 and 2018, cell phone signals were shut down by the NTC in some portions in Mandaue and Cebu during the Saturday fluvial procession and the foot procession of the image of Santo Niño held on the eve of the Feast of the Child Jesus.

The feast and the Sinulog Grand Parade are celebrated every third Sunday of January. —NESTLE SEMILLA