Sinulog 2019 fluvial procession peaceful — PNP, PCG

CEBU CITY, Philippines  — Both officials of Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that the 2019 Sinulog fluvial procession was generally peaceful.

However, PCG-Cebu Station recorded an incident where a devotee fell overboard when the procession started.

“Parang nahulog nawalan nang balance at natugunan naman yung responders natin,” said Lt. Jg. Michael Encina, PCG-Cebu Station spokesperson.

Speaking to Inquirer, Encina said that the devotee was safe as he was wearing a life jacket.

Encina said that there were 93 registered vessels for the fluvial procession but there were also several colorum motorbancas that joined the procession.

“Merong 93 yung registered pero nakita namin mga 220 yung sumali,” said Encina.

Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Royina Garma, Cebu City Police Officer director, said that the procession from Pier 1 to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño was peaceful and orderly.

She said that at least 50,000 devotees where seen at Pier 1 where the “galleon,” carrying the images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Señor Sto. Niño, docked.  /muf