Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City – The Visayas Command (VISCOM), through its naval component, the Naval Forces Central secures the Sinulog 2024 Fluvial Procession early Saturday morning in line with the 459th celebration of Fiesta Señor.
The fluvial parade marks the start of the official Sinulog Annual Festival, commemorating the introduction of Christian faith and the historical arrival of the image of Sr. Sto Niño into the shores of Cebu.
Eleven (11) Naval assets from the Naval Forces Central took part in the fluvial event, comprising of five (5) Naval Vessels, three (3) Right Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), and three (3) Rubber boats. The procession started from Captain Veloso Pier (CVP) in Naval Base Rafael Ramos, Lapulapu City and passed through the Mactan Channel before docking at Cebu City’s Pier 1.
These naval assets also jibed the successful conduct of the seaborne security operations that accommodated the devotees as passengers to witness the religious event.
Lieutenant General Benedict M Arevalo PA, the Commander of VISCOM boarded one of the naval assets of the Philippine Navy, as they joined the parade along with MV Martin 8, the official Galleon of this year’s fluvial procession.
The security operations for the fluvial event was made possible in collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), Maritime Industry Authority, and organizers from the Basilica Minore de Sto. Niño, to ensure a safe, solemn and successful conduct of the fluvial procession.
“All available naval and air assets have been placed on standby alert, ready to be deployed in case of emergency to augment our security forces on the ground. Coordination with all law enforcement agencies involved in securing the Sinulog Festival has also been established to make sure that our security forces are sufficient to secure the different events in line with the celebration of Sinulog 2024, including the solemn fluvial procession”, Lt Gen Arevalo said.
He then concluded as he assured their unyielding security efforts to safeguard the welfare of the people, “Sinulog Festival shows the immense devotion of the Cebuanos and all the Catholic faithful as they wholeheartedly honor the patron of Cebu. As such, VISCOM assures our people the implementation of incessant security measures to ensure a safe, solemn and enjoyable experience for all the devotees. As your reliable Armed Forces in the Visayas, VISCOM will continue to be prompt and responsive in safeguarding the well-being of our people in the entire Visayas region, particularly here in Cebu.”
