Ben Madilynn
SOME members of two Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025 contingents were caught on video involving in a rock-throwing incident on J. Alcantara Street, Sitio Purras, Barangay Sambag 1, Cebu City, around 9 p.m. Sunday, January 12, 2025.
Police quickly responded to the scene but found no one except for the large rocks scattered on the road.
The Cebu City police reported that the conflict between some members of the contingents from Barangays Tisa and Inayawan began after their performance in the Sinulog sa Dakbayan on Sunday.
Christian Bangueran, the dance instructor of the Inayawan contingent, said tensions arose when a member of the Tisa contingent allegedly damaged their props while they were preparing to perform inside the Cebu City Sports Center.
The altercation escalated later that evening when the groups encountered each other outside the sports center, leading to an exchange of large rocks. No injuries were reported.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said they are awaiting a formal complaint from the aggrieved party, Barangay Inayawan.
“This has been brought to the attention of the police. The complaint has been lodged at Police Station 2 and we are waiting for a formal complaint to be filed by the aggrieved,” said Macatangay.
In response to the incident, police have warned the involved barangays not to cause any trouble during the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 19, 2025.
The police said they will not hesitate to make arrests if necessary, and violators will be detained in temporary custodial facilities prepared for offenders of Cebu City ordinances.
“The moment that they will cross the line and they will violate ordinances and the law, police naman ang ilang kaatbang (they will face the police). The PNP is always ready to react and respond to this type of incidents to ensure nga magpadayon nga magmalinawon ug safe ang atong mga events diri sa Sinulog (to ensure that our Sinulog events remain peaceful and safe),” said Macatangay.
Earlier, the CCPO held a dialogue with fraternities and sororities in the city, urging them to sign an agreement to help maintain order and peace during Sinulog activities.
They were also encouraged to monitor their members and ensure they refrain from causing trouble on that day. (AYB)
