The Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame recommended to the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to shut down the mobile phone signals during Sinulog on January 21 to ensure public safety.

Outgoing Police Regional Office-7 Director Chief Superintendent Jose Mario Espino confirmed that the police indeed made the recommendation.

This was different from what Espino told the media earlier about not shutting down the signal due to the absence of terroristic threats, as per reports from the intelligence units.

According to Cebu City Dave Tumulak, chairman of the Sinulog executive committee and deputy mayor for police matters, the signal shutdown will improve the security around the city on the celebration of the feast of Sr. Sto. Niño.