(Photo courtesy :Cebu City Police Office FB page)
Security authorities have rolled out a massive safety operation for this year’s Sinulog Festival and Fiesta Señor, deploying around 7,000 personnel across Cebu City as millions of devotees and spectators are expected to flock to the religious and cultural celebrations.
Police Col. Franco Rudolf Oriol, deputy city director for administration of the Cebu City Police Office, said preparations began early with a formal send-off ceremony held on January 5 to ready security forces for the anticipated surge of festivalgoers ahead of the January 17 highlights.
According to Oriol, the deployment brings together personnel from various law enforcement units, government agencies, and support groups tasked with maintaining peace and order throughout the festivities, which officially began on January 8. He said the combined force is designed to cover religious processions, street dancing events, crowd control points, and other major activity areas linked to Sinulog and Fiesta Señor.
To strengthen preparedness, the CCPO has conducted a series of drills and simulation exercises aimed at ensuring that police officers, emergency responders, and support units can quickly and effectively respond to potential incidents during peak celebration days. Oriol said these exercises are crucial given the scale of the event and the density of crowds expected.
The security contingent includes 2,816 personnel from the Police Regional Office 7, alongside support from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of Health, Cebu City Transportation Office, and hundreds of force multipliers. All participating units are equipped with their own mobility and logistical resources to ensure sustained operations.
Authorities have also boosted assets on the ground, with additional mobile patrol cars, motorcycles, metal detectors, drones, megaphones, and other equipment deployed to enhance monitoring, crowd management, and rapid response. Adequate fuel and logistical support have likewise been secured to maintain continuous operations throughout the celebration period.
Local officials said the extensive security plan reflects close coordination among uniformed services, civilian agencies, and local government offices to ensure a smooth and orderly festival. Police leaders assured the public that all units are on full alert to keep the celebrations solemn, safe, and secure.
The send-off ceremony was held at the Cebu City Sports Center and was attended by Mayor Nestor Archival, PRO-7 Regional Director Redrico Maranan, CCPO Director George Ylanan, and other city officials.
Organizers estimate that between four million and five million people will take part in or witness the religious and cultural activities this year, prompting authorities to implement one of the most extensive security deployments in recent Sinulog celebrations.
