Cebu City Legislator Urges Public to Avoid Making Bomb Jokes, Hoaxes in Sinulog

A Cebu City legislator on Thursday urged the public to refrain from creating and spreading fake news, make bomb jokes and hoaxes that can adversely affect public order and safety during the Sinulog Grand Parade on Jan. 15.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak, the city’s deputy mayor for police matters, said any call received by the city’s command center is considered as official.

”So if it is a bomb joke we still end up using government resources and personnel,” Tumulak said.

But Tumulak said the public must remain vigilant of any suspicious movements in their area and for them to abide with security regulations set by law enforcement authorities.

“Don’t panic, stay calm and focused,” he said.

Tumulak also asked social media users to disseminate only the information that are of help, especially safety tips in crowded areas.

Some 5,000 police and military personnel and auxiliary group will be deployed to secure the four-kilometer carousel parade route on Jan. 15.

Sinulog organizers and the police said there were no threats to the Sinulog celebration, but they were taking extra precautions in the wake of the bombing during the fiesta in Hilongos, Leyte last week which injured at least 32 people. (PNA)LAP/EB/EDS