CH seeks NTC help for Sinulog communication

The Cebu City government is seeking the help of the National Telecommunications Commission to provide the city with two-way radio communication system during the Sinulog.

Councilor David Tumulak, Sinulog Executive Committee chairman, said they asked the help of NTC to ensure uninterrupted communication during the occasion.

“They will provide if in case there is a communication problem kay the more nga daghan devotees who will attend the solemn procession and Sinulog Grand Parade there is a problem of the communication in terms of cell sites kay daghan mang gamit ba,” Tumulak said.

The handheld radios are intended for government officials and employees, responders, medical team, and other authorized users.

Tumulak said that having secondary communication is vital in relaying important information to ensure the safety and success of the event.

“We need to have a backup communication, that's why we requested NTC to assist us kay in case also of incidents at least naa ta'y backup communication,” he said.

Tumulak said the police will confiscate any unauthorized use of handheld radio during the Sinulog. He said this will be part of the security measures. Confiscated radios will be turned over to the NTC. He asked all authorized radio users to always wear their identification cards.

“We would like to inform the handheld radio users, private individuals to refrain from using handheld radios especially if you are not licensed kay we will write a letter to PNP, as what has been agreed by NTC, to confiscate handheld radios. So for those handheld radio users, they have to wear ID for their identity such as government employees, police and individuals from media,” Tumulak said.

Tumulak said that until now there is no recommendation to install signal jammers during the grand parade.

“It depends on the security preparation or information from our intelligence community, if really there is a threat, sila ang mo-decide, kita nga naa sa city government we have to follow whatever security preparations from PNP,” Tumulak said.

NTC regional director Jesus Laureno said they have not received any recommendation from the PNP to shut down cell sites during Sinulog.

“Wala may recommendation, dili sad mi, sila man angmagtan-aw sa peace and order, sa security if moingon sila nga kailangan, amo na ipadala sa taas for approval,” he said.