The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Cebu Bankers Club, Philippine National Police (PNP), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other government agencies have met to discuss security measures for the Sinulog festival this year.

According to the Cebu City government, there will be a complete cellular network shutdown for two days as part of precautionary measures to avoid possible bombing attempts using cellphones.

The request was approved by the National Telecommunications Commission.

• READ: Signal jamming eyed for Sinulog

The groups involved in Sinulog security are encouraged to use digital radio frequency signals instead of using analog radio, which is prone to signal jamming.

Aside from internet and cellphones, the planned network shutdown will also affect banks. Some ATMs have wireless connections.

Cebu Bankers Club President Eugene Rigodon said only ATMs located away from bank branches or offsite will be affected. Machines attached to their branches can still accommodate deposit or withdrawal transactions.