Stampede risk high over old route for Fiesta Señor – CBRT mgt.

Cebu City Councilor Phillip Zafra, together with some personnel from the CCDRRMO, Cebu City Transportation Office, and representatives from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, and Bus Rapid Transit, check the original routes along Osmeña Boulevard for the Fiesta Señor 2024 solemn foot processions.  | CDN File photo/Niña Mae Oliverio

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The risk of a stampede is high if the old route for the Fiesta Señor foot processions will be retained, the CBRT management said.

This was the CBRT management’s response to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s firm stance on retaining the old route for the foot processions.

Engineer Norvin Ymbong, the project manager of CBRT, acknowledged that traversing the old route is possible, but the issue lies in the segregators that restrict the movement of devotees.

“While it could be possible, the problem with the segregator restricting the movement of the people may cause harm, especially in the case of a stampede,” Ymbong stated on Wednesday, December 20.

READ: At least 149 killed in stampede at Halloween event in South Korea

Earlier, Mayor Rama insisted on proceeding with the old route for the procession despite the ongoing civil works of the CBRT.

“BRT people should take my words; otherwise, I’ll be the one to be removing (the separators and other structures), I’ll be the one to be doing the enhancement,” Rama declared during a Zoom conference on December 18.

READ: Sinulog 2024 at SRP will remain, old procession route stays too, says Rama

In light of this, the CBRT project manager recommended implementing an effective crowd management plan to prevent a stampede or other related situations.

“A careful management of the crowd is necessary if that will be the decision for the route,” Ymbong said.

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