Probe launched on Sinulog sa Dakbayan propsmen throwing rocks

A video of young individuals, who were allegedly props men for one of the contingents for the Sinulog festival, running and throwing rocks at each other in the middle of the road in Cebu City is now making rounds online. The incident reportedly happened on Sunday evening, January 12, after the Sinulog sa Dakbayan event |screengrab from Rainbee M Duterte FB

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Raymond Alvin Garcia has ordered an investigation into the incident involving Sinulog sa Dakbayan propsmen throwing rocks and other stuff at each other, a video of which went viral on social media.

During a recent press conference, Garcia said authorities would be looking into it, at the same time, he assured the public that it was an isolated case.

“We will investigate. We will look into it, so it won’t happen again in the future,” he said in a mix of English and Cebuano.

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However, the mayor clarified that he was not keen on shifting focus and spending resources into resolving the incident, reiterating that it was just ‘an isolated case’.

At this point in the Sinulog week, preparations for the Festival Day, which would take place this January 19, should be prioritized, added Garcia.

“The Sinulog sa Dakbayan festivities – by large – was a very successful event and nalipay ta sa nahitabo didto (We are happy at what happened there),” he said.

On Sunday, January 12, a fight broke out among propsmen of the Sinulog sa Dakbayan along J. Alcantara Street while the competition was ongoing.

Based on videos circulating online, the individuals involved were seen throwing rocks and even props at each other. Some of them were still wearing their costumes.

The police initially identified some of those involved as members of the contingent from Barangays Tisa and Inayawan.

But youth officials from Tisa shot down the claims, showing proof online that the parties involved were not them but Barangays Inayawan and Labangon.

It just so happens that Tisa’s props and truck were passing by the scene and caught in the frame, they said.

According to initial reports, tensions started when Inayawan’s props were damaged while they were preparing to perform for the Ritual Showdown last Sunday.

The incident escalated and broke out into a fight a few hours later, when the propsmen crossed paths with each other outside the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

Fortunately no one was harmed.

Police in Cebu City, meanwhile, is waiting for the contingent from Inayawan to file a formal complaint before their office. / with reports from Emmariel Ares