Cebu City authorities have begun meticulous preparations for next year's grand Sinulog festival, conducting a comprehensive inspection of the planned route for the religious solemn procession.
Early Morning Inspection of New Route
On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, around 5 a.m., a multi-agency team led by Councilor Philip Zafra, vice chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Safety, walked the entire procession path. The inspection aimed to preemptively address security and safety concerns for the thousands of devotees expected to join.
The team included top officials from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) under Police Colonel George Ylanan, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), the security team of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, the Anti-Mendicancy Board, the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), the Probe team, and other relevant city departments.
Identifying Risks and Choke Points
Police Colonel Ylanan emphasized that the route is new for the police force. The procession will start from the Basilica, pass through Natalio Bacalso Avenue, turn onto V. Rama Avenue, proceed to B. Rodriguez Street, and continue along General Maxilom Avenue before circling back to the church.
During the walk-through, officials pinpointed several potential hazards. Open manholes and various sidewalk obstructions were marked for immediate action by the Probe team. The group also focused on identifying possible choke points where the wide road narrows, which could create crowd bottlenecks and safety risks during the massive event.
"We identified possible risks to public safety, that includes these open manholes. They will be repaired immediately. Sidewalk obstructions will be removed, and we also identified possible choke points," Ylanan stated.
Next Steps: Security Briefings and Coordination
Following the initial inspection, the focus will shift to coordination. Ylanan announced that a series of security briefings will be held to ensure seamless cooperation between the police and all involved government agencies. The primary goal is to prevent any untoward incidents during both the solemn procession and the vibrant Sinulog grand parade.
In a related move to bolster overall security for the holiday season and the festival, the city police chief also convened a meeting with security officers from various establishments across Cebu City. They were briefed on how to help monitor and prevent criminal activity, including guidance on identifying suspicious individuals and preventing crimes during the festivities.
The proactive measures underscore the commitment of Cebu City officials to ensure that the Sinulog 2026 celebration is not only joyful and spiritually fulfilling but also safe and secure for all participants and residents.
