1,500 Cops to Secure 450th Sto. Niño Kaplag Rites in Cebu City

Some 1,500 police personnel will be deployed to secure the 450th Sto. Niño de Cebu “Kaplag” (finding) anniversary on April 27 at the Basilica del Sto. Niño in Cebu City.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Marciano Batiancela said that while they expect lesser crowd for Kaplag compared to the Sinulog Festival, they will still augment the police force who will maintain the peace and order during the celebration.

He said that heightened alert in Cebu City will be declared on Saturday.

He said they will implement the same security measures similar with what they did during the Sinulog Festival in January.

He also said they have coordinated with the Mandaue City Police Office.

Batiancela said they have requested for K9 units from the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He said he also requested one company from the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) 7 to provide additional security.

He said elements of the Waterfront Police Station will primarily secure the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño since it belongs in its jurisdiction.

He said that they will also maximize the existing 1,000 police personnel in Cebu City.

Batiancela said they expect overcrowding and street congestion at a lesser level compared to the Sinulog Festival since the Kaplag requires shorter procession and street dancing routes. (PNA) FFC/EB/EBP