The local government of Cagayan de Oro City has laid out policies for Holy Week activities in pilgrimage sites, which include a ban on overnight stays and bringing of prohibited items.

According to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD), curfew hours will be enforced strictly.

The Malasag Shrine in Barangay Cugman will be open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. while the Guadalupe Shrine in Barangay Balubal will be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. via Barangay Tablon entrance to minimize risks, especially river crossings at night.

“Ang naa na sa Guadalupe Shrine, dili na nato ipabalik, didto na nato ipagawas sa Balubal na exit para dili na sila mag-agian sa ilang mga tabukon nga suba, and of course, ang atong mga kaigsuonan nga adunay comorbidities, atong gina-discourage,” CDRRMD Head, Nick Jabagat, said.

Officials of Barangay Tablon, where the river crossings start, have ramped up preparations as thousands of devotees are expected from Thursday to Good Friday.

Authorities estimate that more 20,000 pilgrims will visit the shrine this year.

Barangay Tablon Chairman, Romeo Bacarro, said personnel have been deployed, including barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, rescuers, tanods, and traffic enforcers.

“Kumpleto ang atong mga personnel gikan sa BNS, BHW, Rescuer, Tanods, Traffic Enforcers, Staff namo tanan naa na’y mga trabaho in fact amo na man ni gi-meeting last week naa mi coordination meeting kay nag-finalize mi unsa ilang corresponding responsibilities,” Bacarro said.

At Malasag Shrine, preparations are also underway. First aid stations have been set up to respond to emergencies.

More than 1,000 CDRRMD personnel and volunteers will be deployed across key areas during Holy Week.

“Naa ta’y mga medical stations nga ibutang dinha, kauban nato diha ang atong City Health Office, ang mga barangay of course, ang PNP ug mga PNP operatives nga moatiman sa safety ug security,” Jabagat added.