Cops want phone signals jammed during Sinulog

If the police were to decide, shutting down cellphone signals would be an ideal scenario to ensure security in key areas during the Solemn Procession and the Sinulog Grand Parade this weekend.

This was done in Manila during the procession of the Black Nazarene the other day.

Like in the Black Nazarene procession, thousands attend the Sinulog activities every year.

“We are planning to recommend also na patayin yung signal, pero kasama ito sa paguusapan namin ngayon, at saka yung mga concerned agencies,” said Police Regional Office-7 Director Noli Taliño.

Jamming signals would prevent terrorists from detonating bombs with the use of cellphones.

Taliño said the police are set to discuss final security plans with the Cebu City government and the Sinulog Foundation, Inc.

In a statement to The FREEMAN, SMART/PLDT public affairs head Ramon Isberto said instructions on the matter will come from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

“With respect to security measures in public events like the Sinulog, the existing protocol is that instructions are given to telco operators via the National Telecommunications Commission,” he said.

Sinulog Foundation, Inc. Ricky Ballesteros said they will abide by the recommendation of the police but hope authorities will find a way to retain cellphone signals.

After all, he said, the Sinulog experience will not be complete without online engagement, especially on social media.

“If needed for security reasons, we have to prioritize safety for the spectators and contingents… maybe we can look for ways nga dili ma-hamper sad ang tibuok communication… it's about promotion, publication... it's not complete without these things,” Ballesteros said.

LODGING HOUSES

Police Senior Supt. Joel Doria, chief of the Cebu City Police Office, said he has instructed station commanders to check lodging houses in their areas of jurisdiction to spot lawless elements.

“We have already directed the station commanders, chief ng CIB natin to check and coordinate sa lahat ng lodging houses dito sa Cebu City para ma-check natin kung sino yung dumating, nagpa-reserve na hindi naman nagpakita pa. At least, based on that, makakapag-umpisa tayo,” he said.

He said police assistance desks and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed in strategic areas.

“Yes. Based on the coordination with Councilor (Dave) Tumulak, meron mga additional CCTVs silang ilalagay,” he said.

Tumulak chairs the committee on public safety at the Cebu City Council.

READY

Taliño assured “maximum security coverage” for the Sinulog.

“Well, ready naman tayo dito sa Sinulog natin and everyday we’re trying to level up yung ating security preparations. Tinitingnan natin lagi kung ano ang i-improve o i-improvise, kung ano yung pwede natin idagdag o i-revise doon sa security plan,” Taliño said.

“Wala tayong augmentation. Kaya naman natin i-provide yung security requirements kasama naman natin ang Armed Forces of the Philippines and all other agencies na involved sa security even Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force… kasama natin dito plus force multipliers sa city sa pagse-secure sa Sinulog,” he said.

At least 5,000 policemen and personnel from the AFP, Navy, and Coast Guard as well as force multipliers like those from the Muslim community will be deployed during the festivities.

Taliño also said Cebu remains free from security threats but asks the public to remain vigilant.

“Wala naman tayong information. Wala tayong information na may imminent threat o specific threat pero yung banta, andyan lagi at dapat tayo lahat, hindi lang yung pulis, hindi lang yung AFP, kundi lahat tayo maging alerto,” he said. Doria echoes the information. “So far, wala tayong direct or imminent threat na natatanggap. We have to be vigilant always. Maging mapagmatyag tayo, mapagmasid sa ating kapaligiran… mahirap na, baka masingitan tayo,” Doria said. —