TO AVOID overcrowding during their visits, politicians were asked to coordinate with the Cebu City Government’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) before holding their caravan and other campaign activities.
This, after Sen. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao’s visit to Cebu City and parts of the province on Thursday, October 28, 2021, was criticized because health protocols were apparently not followed.
Social distancing was not observed during the activities, the police observed.
Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office, said politicians who plan to visit Cebu City should coordinate with the EOC so they can be briefed on the rules in holding activities that are expected to draw a large crowd.
He reminded politicians that there are limitations in holding political activities in the city and there are guidelines that need to be followed.
Ligan said the guidelines were set to avoid overcrowding and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Pacquiao was in Cebu City on Thursday to offer flowers at the site of the kidnapping of Fr. Rudy Romano on F. Llamas St. in Barangay Tisa. After the activity, a throng of supporters approached Pacquiao, who was seen without his mask on as he waved to the crowd.
Supporters also gathered to welcome the senator in Toledo City and Pinamungajan town on Friday, October 29, 2021.
Pacquiao is running for president in the 2022 national and local elections.
“We urge all the individuals or groups that plan to hold a caravan or those who will gather their supporters to please approach the EOC so they would know what to do, so we can avoid large gatherings,” Ligan said.
Organizers of activities and public gatherings in Cebu City are required to secure a permit from the EOC, which will monitor the activity to make sure the guidelines are followed.
Ligan said with the campaign season coming up, more politicians are expected to go around Cebu City for their sorties.
Public officials, he said, should take the lead in discouraging the public from gathering to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Though the number of new Covid-19 cases in Cebu City has been decreasing, Ligan said the public should not be complacent and should continue to observe social distancing and the proper wearing of masks. (AYB of Superbalita Cebu)