CEBU CITY, Jan. 10 -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) will implement a temporary shutdown of telecommunication signals during the three major Sinulog activities on Saturday and Sunday.

However, Mayor Michael Rama on Monday said he is opposed to the suspension of mobile phone signals, claiming he was not consulted when the police recommended it to the NTC.

In a memorandum dated Jan. 6 and released on Monday, the NTC directed the telcos "to temporarily cut off all network services" on three events -- the fluvial procession on Saturday dawn, a solemn procession of the holy image of the Senor Sto. Nino on Saturday afternoon and the Sinulog grand parade the whole day on Sunday.

The signal shutdown during the fluvial process...