Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has taken a firm step to ensure order during the upcoming Sinulog festivities by signing Executive Order (EO) 051. The order imposes a strict ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages within a 300-meter radius of the official Sinulog grand parade route.
Ban Details and Enforcement Timeline
The liquor prohibition will be in effect from 6:00 AM on Saturday, January 17, 2026, until 8:00 PM on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This measure covers the entire parade corridor, including assembly points, the parade route itself, and designated dispersal areas. Police Colonel George Ylanan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), has directed his personnel to notify all establishments, such as bars, hotels, and other businesses, about the ban. Selling alcohol during the specified period is prohibited unless a special permit is secured from the Cebu City Government.
Colonel Ylanan emphasized the comprehensive nature of the ban. "Strictly prohibited within the 300-meter radius... is the sale, distribution, public consumption, and possession of alcoholic beverages," he stated. "Anyone caught drinking on the streets within the zone will be arrested and charged under the city ordinance against public drunkenness."
Consequences for Violators
The city government has outlined serious penalties for non-compliance. Establishments that ignore the executive order risk having their business permits revoked. To build cases, police will document violations by taking videos and photographs of offending businesses, which will be submitted to the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) for sanctioning.
Ylanan explained the rationale behind the strict measure, noting that public drinking during large celebrations can often lead to disturbances and violence. An empty bottle, he pointed out, could also be used as a weapon in the commission of a crime.
Enhanced Security for the Festival
Beyond the liquor ban, the CCPO is deploying extensive security measures for the grand parade. Thousands of police officers will be stationed along the route, divided into 11 sectors, each with its own ground commander. In a proactive move against pickpockets and thieves, Colonel Ylanan will deploy four buses to serve as temporary custodial facilities for suspects apprehended during the event.
The security strategy also includes a mix of uniformed personnel and plainclothes officers who will blend into the crowd to monitor and deter criminal activity. This multi-layered approach aims to ensure that the Sinulog grand parade remains a safe and joyful celebration for all attendees.
