Cebu City has officially mobilized a formidable security contingent exceeding 6,500 uniformed personnel to safeguard the public during the upcoming 461st celebration of the Fiesta Señor and the Sinulog Festival on January 18, 2026. The personnel were formally sent off in a ceremony at the Cebu City Sports Center on Monday, January 5.
Comprehensive Security Force Composition
The massive security task force is a multi-agency effort designed to ensure comprehensive coverage. It includes personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with elements from the Philippine Navy and Air Force, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). The operation also integrates Force Multipliers and various departments from the Cebu City Hall, creating a unified command structure.
Advanced Equipment and No Signal Shutdown
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the Task Force Sinulog Commander, outlined the operational assets to be deployed. The PNP will utilize all available resources, including 45 new vehicles, 38 motorcycles, and 17 drones for aerial surveillance. A fully equipped Mobile Command Center will monitor the entire city, supported by metal detectors, megaphones, and raincoats for drivers and the expected large crowds.
In a significant announcement for attendees, Mayor Nestor Archival and General Maranan confirmed that there will be no signal shutdown or cellphone jamming implemented this year. The Mayor stated that the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) provides guidance on such matters. Since neither NICA nor the police have received any serious security threats regarding the events, telecommunications signals will remain normal.
Full Alert Status and Intelligence Monitoring
Despite the absence of specific threats, General Maranan emphasized that security forces will remain on Full Alert status. Authorities have expanded intelligence-gathering and monitoring operations to preemptively identify and prevent any potential security breaches by malicious elements. This proactive stance aims to create a secure environment where millions of devotees and festival-goers can celebrate safely and peacefully.
The combined deployment represents one of the largest security preparations for the iconic festival, underscoring the commitment of local and national agencies to protect one of the Philippines' most significant cultural and religious events.
