HEADS up.
Backpacks will no longer be allowed at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and nearby areas during the novena and feast of the Child Jesus next year.
This was agreed on Friday during a meeting between the police, the Cebu City government and the Augustinian priests of the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
Chief Supt. Debold Sinas, PRO-7 director, said that the reason they prohibited the bringing of backpacks during the Fiesta Señor is to make sure that criminals would not be able to take advantage of the celebration.
“All major activities (of Fiesta Señor), no backpacks,” said Sinas.
Aside from the fact that contraband and weapons can be hidden in backpacks, Sinas said that this move would also expedite the inspection of devotees who want to go inside the Basilica.
“Kun mag backpack, habwaon pa ang gamit mograbe ang clog (at the entrance),” said Sinas.
(If they have backpacks, we will have to thoroughly check the bag causing a clog at the entrance.)
Inspections, he said, will be done some meters away from the church compound and the Plaza Sugbo to provide a wider space for devotees.
The inspections will be done on the streets surrounding the Basilica.
The same measure will also be used during the Sinulog Grand Parade at the Cebu City Sports Center, said Sinas.
He said that they will be strict in implementing the “backpacks are not allowed at the church” policy.
Devotees bringing backpacks will be immediately barred from entering the Basilica, Sinas said.
“Kun naa moy (backpacks) dili mo pasudlon sa activity area. Papaulion mo,” said Sinas.
(If you have backpacks, you will not be allowed to enter. You will be asked to go home.)
“Kun nagplano mo magdala (of backpacks) please ayaw nalang basin mahiubos lang mo sa amoa,” he added.
(And if you are planning to bring backpacks please don’t, so that you will not be disappointed.)