Dinagyang Festival organizers eye stricter security measures
ILOILO CITY, Jan. 3 (PNA) -- Organizers of the 2017 Dinagyang Festival will observe strict security measures, especially during the three-day highlights slated January 20-22.
Ramon Cua Locsin, president of the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI), on Tuesday cited that the festival is very popular; hence there is a need to ensure the safety of spectators amid the recent bombing incidents that happened in other parts of the country.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the support group of the festival, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) disclosed that they already have contingency plans for four possible scenarios such as bombing, stampede, hostage taking and mass action.
The security preparations were presented to Chief Superintendent Jose Gentiles, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO 6), today to be forwarded to the higher headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The ICPO, under Senior Superintendent Zacharias Remus Canieso, has created 10 sectors that will be placed in strategic areas in the city. The sectors will cover all areas where activities in line with the Dinagyang Festival are held.
Iloilo City Administrator Atty. Hernando Galvez, meantime, pushed for the drafting of the policy circular or guidelines for security. He also reminded the ICPO of the city’s No Backpack Ordinance and the conduct of extensive search.
This year’s celebration, a prelude to its golden year in 2018, is expecting national and international dignitaries.
Held in honor of Señor Santo Niño, the highlight will kick off with the competition of drum and bugle corps in the morning of January 20 and a fluvial procession in the afternoon.
On January 21, spectators will witness the presentation of champion festivals in Western Visayas through the ‘Kasadyahan Festival’ in the morning and the ‘sadsad’ or the merrymaking by devotees of Señor Santo Niño in the evening. January 22 is the most-awaited day where 10 tribes will compete during the Ati-ati competition.
This year’s celebration has for its theme “Communion of Communities with Señor Santo Niño†and a tagline “See, Feel, Love.†(PNA)
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=84056.0