THE City of Manila and its local administration are prepared for the annual celebration of the Feast of Sto. Niño tomorrow (Sunday), with Mayor Honey Lacuna ensuring the safety of all guests.
Photo Courtesy: Ryan Baldemor | RepublicAsia
The Manila Police District (MPD) announced on Facebook that road closures and rerouting for the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo will begin at 12:01 am on Saturday, January 20.
Mayor Lacuna had a meeting with new Manila Police District (MPD) Director Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay to discuss the posting and deployment of uniformed police, according to a news release issued on Friday.
Manila’s Traffic and Parking Bureau, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, City Engineer’s Office, Department of Public Services, and hospitals have all been instructed to mobilize their workforce in the event of an emergency.
Based on a separate Facebook post, the Philippine National Police has halted Permits To Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) in the City of Manila from 12:01 AM on January 20 until 11:59 PM on January 21, 2024.
According to them, this is part of the security preparations for the Feast of Sto. Niño de Tondo.
Only members of the PNP, AFP, and other Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) performing official responsibilities and wearing agency-approved uniforms are permitted to carry guns.
The highly anticipated Sinulog Festival
Meanwhile, Cebu City is also gearing up for the spectacular celebration of the famed Sinulog Festival, which will feature 131 activities this year.
In a public briefing on Wednesday, Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama stated that the city has reinforced security and health standards in preparation for the festival’s events, which will take place from January 20 to 22.
Photo Courtesy: PhotoQuest
“We’ve been continuous in our vaccination. In fact we’ve already reached herd immunity and then we never stopped,” Rama explained.
The city collaborated with regional law enforcement, military headquarters, local government units, and other organizations to maintain traffic flow, peace, and order during the event.
“It has been continuously also being managed. We have constant meetings. This morning nagmi-meeting din kami tapos meron pa kami mga walk-through, drive-through para tinitingnan namin,” said Cebu City Mayor.
Mayor Rama is hoping that everything goes as planned and that no details are overlooked in order to avoid inconvenience for both attendees and other locals alike. “Hopefully, all can be anticipated para ma-avoid yung traffic,” he went on to say.
