Sinulog in Cebu well-attended, generally peaceful; suspended governor sends message to critics

This year's Sinulog Festival in Cebu province ended on a triumphant note Sunday night, with police saying it was well-attended and generally peaceful.

Police said more than four million attended this year's festival in honor of the Santo Niño (Christ Child), radio dzBB’s Cebu affiliate Jasmine Baylosis reported early Monday.

 

Organizers had set a target of four million visitors for this year's festivities, the report said.

 

Cebu City police were also quoted in the report as saying this year’s Sinulog was generally peaceful, though with minor incidents of snatching and theft.

 

Investigators also received reports that some unscrupulous parties were selling fake Sinulog ID cards.

 

Also on Sunday, some of the devotees fainted, including the lead dancer of the Zamboanga contingent.

 

Since last week, tourists flocked to Cebu to take part in the yearly Sinulog. Hotels and inns were fully booked for the occasion.

 

On the other hand, the report said many participants left behind mounds of garbage after the festivities ended Sunday night. Crews quickly cleaned up after them, the report said.

 

Garcia sends message to critics

 

Meanwhile, suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia sent a message to her critics who she said had vowed to do their worst.

 

Garcia briefly left the provincial capitol, where she had been holed up since December, and danced at Sunday night's Sinulog festival.

 

"To whom this may concern: You threatened to do your worst. Regardless, I continued to do my best. Viva Pit Senyor!" she tweeted. —KG, GMA News