MANILA –Malacañang called on the Catholic faithful to cooperate with the authorities in ensuring a peaceful celebration of the Sinulog Festival in Cebu.
“Ang mensahe po ng Malacañang sa mga pupunta po sa Sinulog, sa Pit Señor, ay makipag-cooperate po tayo sa ating kapulisan para sa maayos na selebrasyon,” Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, January 15.
“Alam po natin na ito po ay pinupuntahan ng libu-libo kundi milyong tao at ang ating gusto pong mangyari ay at the end of the day, maayos po at peaceful ‘yung celebration,” he added.
The Palace official noted the religiosity of the Filipinos who call for help upon Sto. Niño, especially when faced with major challenges.
“We are a very faithful country at number one po ang Diyos sa puso ng karamihan. For majority of the Filipinos, we draw our strength from the Sto.
Niño. Minsan pag wala na po tayong makakapitan, do’n po tayo sa simbahan pupunta, magdadasal and this really is another religious event na talagang hindi pwede nating palampasin na ganun-ganon lang,” Andanar said.
“We’re all praying for everyone’s safety,” he added.
Andanar meanwhile said President Duterte will not be attending the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
He said that instead, the Philippines will be represented by its Ambassador.
“Ang representative po ng Pilipinas sa Trump inaugural ay ang head of mission or ‘yung Ambassador po ng Pilipinas to the United States of America.
Customarily, ang head of mission po talaga or ‘yung Ambassador ang representative ng ating bansa,” Andanar explained.
“Because this is totally a domestic event, mga Amerikano po talaga ang nandiyan para i-celebrate ‘yung inauguration,” he added.