Alert status raised in Cebu City for Sinulog
A HEIGHTENED alert status was raised over Cebu City in anticipation of the large crowd that will attend the 2013 Sinulog activities, particularly the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 20.
Police identified critical security areas as Juana Osmeña Street where youths hold street parties and the Fuente Osmeña circle.
Metal railings at the center of Mango Avenue and at New Imus road were removed to give more room for spectators and motorists.
Police and traffic managers held a conference at the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) to finalize security and traffic schemes.
Representatives of the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) attended.
Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel, acting Cebu City police chief, said reaction teams were set up.
The members are city policemen and special police units like the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Policemen who leave their posts during the Sinulog celebration will be sanctioned, warnedSenior Supt. Louie Oppus, PRO deputy regional director for operations.
He said there were past incidents of police personnel abandoning their posts during the festival./Correspondent Chito Aragon
