Cebu City authorities are implementing a stringent alcohol prohibition along the route of the upcoming Sinulog Grand Parade to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration. Mayor Nestor Archival has issued an executive order to this effect, with police ready for strict enforcement.
Details of the Alcohol Ban and Enforcement
Executive Order 051, signed by Mayor Nestor Archival, explicitly forbids the sale, distribution, and public consumption of alcoholic beverages within a 300-meter radius of all official Sinulog Grand Parade areas. This includes the assembly points, the parade route itself, and the designated dispersal zones.
The ban will be active from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both Saturday, January 17, and Sunday, January 18, 2026. Police Colonel George Ylanan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), emphasized that the prohibition will be rigorously enforced. His personnel have already started notifying bars, hotels, and other businesses that serving alcohol without a city permit is banned during these hours.
Violators, especially individuals caught drinking in public within the restricted zone, face arrest and charges under city ordinances against public intoxication. Police officers will be equipped with recording devices to document any violations by establishments.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Establishments that ignore the mayor's order will have their violations recorded via video and photographs. These reports will be forwarded to the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), which holds the authority to revoke business permits as an administrative sanction.
Colonel Ylanan explained that the primary goal of the ban is to prevent public disorder. The presence of intoxicated individuals during the massive festivities can lead to fights, crimes, and other safety issues, disrupting the family-oriented nature of the Sinulog celebration.
Enhanced Security Measures for the Parade
Beyond the alcohol ban, the CCPO is rolling out comprehensive security plans for the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The parade will commence from the Cebu City Sports Center, travel along General Maxilom Avenue, Fuente Circle, Osmeña Boulevard, and R. Landon Extension, before looping back to the starting point.
A notable security feature will be the deployment of four "bust buses" that will serve as mobile temporary detention centers. Each bus will be staffed with police investigators to process individuals caught stealing or committing other crimes on-site, eliminating the need to transport them to a police station immediately.
Thousands of police personnel will be stationed along the parade route, which is divided into 11 sectors, each with a ground commander. The force will include both uniformed officers and plainclothes personnel to discreetly monitor the crowds and deter pickpockets and thieves targeting parade-goers.
With these measures, Cebu City aims to balance the vibrant, joyous spirit of the Sinulog festival with the highest standards of public safety and order for all attendees.
