SarBay 2017 Festival cancelled

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The provincial government of Sarangani cancelled  Sarbay 2017 festival eve of it’s start.

“We have cancelled this year’s Sarangani Bay Festival,” Sarangani Governor Steve Solon told reporters during the press conference Wednesday noon.

Holding a festivity while others  agonize and struggle to  survive is not proper  since  Marawi is under siege.

The province is raising it’s arms against terrorism and holding a festival would not give meaning to their protest, says Solon.

“All the day and night activities will be postponed and this is a strong statement by the province that although we have prepared, the security is tight and ready, but we are in protest against acts of terrorism and this is also the reason why we are cancelling the event to protest terrorism in the Philippines,” Solon emphasized.

Solon said they cannot be happy celebrating Sarbay while people of Marawi are distressed.

The cancellation, is the provincial government’s support to the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte Tuesday night placing the whole Mindanao under Martial Law.

In 2016, organizers counted 150,000 Sarbay tourists and expect the same number this May 25, 26 and 27 at the same spot in Gumasa, Glan.

“All security measures in Sarangani Province are strong and tight. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police have prepared for our SarBay Festival since two weeks ago,” he said.

1002nd Brigade Commander Colonel Tyne Banas said the military has not yet received guidelines of the Martial Law but “we have to follow the rule of law and Martial Law will be implemented.”

The SarBay festival is considered the biggest beach party in the country but because of the  recent declaration it has to  be deferred. -Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph