BY GLENDA TAYONA and IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – Thousands of devotees are expected to flock the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral today, the feast of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles). Mayor Jose Espinosa III ordered tight security measures not only in the cathedral but also in other churches across the city. “We are just being prudent,” he said in a command conference yesterday.
The mayor issued the order in the wake of the twin bombing in a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday, which killed at least 21 persons and injured over 100 others.
The Jolo blast was followed by another one in a mosque in Zamboanga City past midnight on Wednesday, claiming three lives and leaving at least four persons injured.
“I told the police in every district to secure all other churches in the city during today’s religious services,” Espinosa said.
He also ordered Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Senior Superintendent Martin Defensor to maximize police visibility in the churches.
Defensor heeded the mayor’s orders and said he would deploy 240 ICPO personnel who will augment the 40 Jaro police station officers in securing the cathedral in Jaro.
Policemen will be dispersed inside and around the cathedral compound, Defensor said.
Hourly masses will be from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. today. There will be another mass at 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m.
Aside from the police officers, personnel from the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Red Cross will also be on standby.
Village watchmen will act as force multipliers, too.
Defensor said they will be stricter in imposing security measures for the Jaro fiesta this year.
There will only be one gate for entry and exit at the church.
Upon entry, people will be frisked – the reason that Defensor advised the public not to bring prohibited items, like sharp objects and other deadly weapons.
Bringing banned items will only slow down the entry of people at the cathedral, he added.
Police assistance desks will also be set up.
Aside from the cathedral, the ICPO will also secure the procession and the Iloilo Coliseum in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro where a cock derby will be held.
Full police force will be deployed as early as 2 a.m., Defensor said.
The ICPO chief also urged pilgrims against wearing expensive accessories that may attract snatchers.
Parents should also always keep an eye on their children.
The city government will provide 15 to 20 wheelchairs for senior citizens who will attend masses at the Jaro cathedral.
Schedule of today’s masses:
* 4 a.m. – Rev. Father Joenick Terriorio (Hiligaynon)
* 5 a.m. – Rev. Father Renato Cuadras (Hiligaynon)
* 6 a.m. – Rev. Monsignor Alejandro Esperancilla (English)
* 7 a.m. – Archbishop Jose Romeo Lazo (Hiligaynon)
* 9 a.m. – Rev. Father Midyphil Billones (English)
* 10 a.m. – Rev. Father Dennis Galon (Hiligaynon)
* 11 a.m. – Rev. Father Jose Alberto Guillen (English)
* 12 p.m. – Rev. Father Father Jack Tangan (English)
* 3 p.m. – Rev. Msgr. Meliton Oso (English)
* 5:30 p.m. – Archbishop Emeritus Angel Lagdameo
* 7 p.m. – Rev. Father Julus Jacobres (English)
* 8 p.m. – Rev. Msgr. Sinforoso Padilla (English)./PN
