Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and the newly appointed director of the Cebu City Police Office, Col. Enrico Figueroa, have pledged to collaborate closely to ensure the safety and peacefulness of the upcoming Sinulog celebrations. This commitment was made during a courtesy visit by Figueroa to Mayor Garcia at Cebu City Hall on January 14, 2025.
Mayor Garcia expressed his readiness to work with the new police chief, despite his initial disappointment over the sudden change in leadership at the Cebu City Police Office. The previous director, Col. Antonietto Cañete, was removed from his position amidst ongoing preparations for the Fiesta of Señor Santo Niño, which Garcia felt was poorly timed.
Col. Figueroa, who assumed his role following a turnover ceremony at the CCPO headquarters in Camp Sotero Cabahug, emphasized his dedication to public safety and the welfare of the Cebuano community. He described himself not just as a chief, but as a partner in the fight against crime and illegal drugs.
The Sinulog festivities, part of the Fiesta Señor, are set to commence on Thursday with a dawn procession, followed by a fluvial parade and foot procession on Saturday, and culminating in the fiesta day Masses at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño de Cebu and the Sinulog Festival on Sunday.