Public warned vs. scams

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government, through its Public Information Office, is warning the public against scammers asking for payment in exchange for a ride on vessels during the Sinulog 2025 fluvial procession.

The scammers reportedly ask for payment through Gcash.

“Ayaw kamo pailad niini. Magabaan ra na sila sa Balaang Bata,” part of PIO’s announcement read.

The fluvial parade is one of the highly-anticipated activities of the Fiesta Señor. This event involves the transport of the Santo Niño image back to Cebu City from Lapu-Lapu City, navigating through the Mactan Channel aboard the "M/V Sto. Niño de Cebu" of Medallion Transport Inc., a roro passenger ship with a capacity of 450 passengers.

The parade is scheduled for January 18, 2025, from 4 A.M. to 9 A.M., traversing the Mactan Channel from Captain Veloso Port, Navforcen, to Pier 1 in Cebu City.

For those who want to take part of the fluvial procession, one is advised to coordinate with the Philippine Coast Guard instead.

The Philippine Coast Guard District-Central Visayas (CGDCV) led by its commander, Commodore Weniel Azcuna, already conducted a site inspection for the route of the fluvial procession to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the event.

The CGDCV has also issued a Notice to Mariners Number-0125-001) ahead of the Sinulog Festival 2025 Fluvial Parade.

The CGDCV said that there will be a dry run January 15, 2025, from 8 A.M. to noon wherein all ships transiting the Mactan Channel are advised to take necessary precautions to avert maritime incidents.

During the fluvial parade itself, from 4 A.M. to 9 A.M. a “No Sail Zone" will be enforced along the vicinity waters of the channel.

The designated route for the event includes the following waypoints:  A: LAT 10° 18' 38"N, LONG 123° 56' 51"E; B: LAT 10° 19' 00"N, LONG 123° 57' 00"E; C: LAT 10° 19' 088"N, LONG 123° 56' 584"E; D: LAT 10° 18' 516"N, LONG 123° 56' 066"E; E: LAT 10° 17' 58"N, LONG 123° 54' 59"E; F: LAT 10° 17' 30"N, LONG 123° 53' 48"E; G: LAT 10° 16' 62"N, LONG 123° 53' 37"E; H: LAT 10° 17' 18"N, LONG 123° 53' 93"E; I: LAT 10° 17' 38"N, LONG 123° 54' 57"E;

All participating vessels are encouraged to follow a 6-8 knot speed limit.

The CGDCV called on all mariners and concerned stakeholders to disseminate this information and cooperate fully to ensure the safety and success of this significant event.

A total of 305 vessels have registered to join fluvial parade which includes 217 motor bancas, 25 tugboats, 24 passenger/cargo vessels, 14 speedboats, 12 yachts, four cargo vessels, three recreational boats, three fishing boats, one fastcraft, and one service boat. — /BRP (FREEMAN)