PIA Press Release
Monday, January 09, 2012PAGASA warns of more rains in Cebuby Fayette C. Riñen CEBU CITY, Jan 9 (PIA) -- The local office of the weather bureau warned residents in flood- and landslide-prone areas in Cebu to be cautious as incessant rains are expected to continue until the weekend. PAGASA-Mactan Weather Observer Ponce Garcia said the bad weather condition is due to the tail-end of a cold front in Eastern Visayas and Mindanao. Garcia also advised the public to bring umbrellas and raincoats on Sunday, January 15 as millions are expected to watch the Sinulog Mardi Gras in Cebu City’s major thoroughfares. On Friday and Saturday, moderate to slight heavy rains are expected. Two major Sinulog-related religious events--the fluvial procession and solemn foot procession--will be held on Saturday, at early dawn and early afternoon. Ricky Ballesteros, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI) earlier urged the public to wear appropriate footwear and clothing in watching the grand parade as roads might be slippery due to the rains. Cebu City Police Director S/Supt. Melvin “Ramon” Buenafe on the other hand, also asked the public to beware of snatchers and pickpockets that will take advantage of the opportunity to prey on their victims. A significant number of policemen will be deployed on the streets to ensure that peace and order is maintained as Buenafe urged the public to also dot heir share and try not to bring a huge amount of cash and wear jewelries as not to attract criminal elements. The permit to carry firearms has been suspended in Cebu City since Thursday until January 26 to ensure that the celebration of the Sinulog Festival will be peaceful and orderly. “From January 5 until 26, no person even if he has the necessary permit can carry firearms outside his residence as there is a suspension on the permit to carry firearms within the specified period,” Oppus declared. Policemen in Cebu City are on full alert status beginning today until the 16th, this is said. (PIA-Cebu) | 
