As Cebuanos are back to face-to-face observance of the Holy Week, the city government here on Monday outlined measures to ensure the safety of the public, particularly those who will attend religious activities.
At a press conference, Mayor Michael Rama required Lenten event organizers and church leaders to draft a “plan of action” that will address peace and order, traffic, garbage disposal and safety of the participants.
“Public safety and welfare of the participants and attendees should be by way of self-regulation,” he said.
Rama also urged parents, community leaders and barangay officials to adopt “initiatives and precautionary measures against high probability of the commission of crimes against property,” as he said criminals might take advantage while household members are away for vacation.
He also ordered city police to intensify visibility to deter criminality and maintain peace and order in churches and places where Roman Catholic faithful will converge for rituals and activities related to the Holy Week.
“The health, fire, city disaster departments must be on standby status and must be extra ready for any eventualities that may happen during the entire Holy Week,” he added.
As the city has been reeling from high atmospheric temperatures, Rama said barangay officials and the local health department should also beef up campaign on proper hydration by ensuring that every household has potable water and protective gear to wear when people go out of their homes.
He also ordered constant monitoring in the city ports to ensure safety of the commuting public.
To protect buyers of traditional food and delicacies during Holy Week, Rama also directed the market administrator to coordinate with the police and the Department of Trade and Industry in monitoring prices in the local market.
He also warned illegal gamblers, especially unregistered cockfighting activities, of possible arrest as operations will continue during the week-long religious observance.
Source: Philippines News Agency