Western Visayas police to deploy 2,347 cops for Dinagyang Festival

MANILA, Philippines — Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 will deploy 2,347 policemen to Iloilo City this year to work with its Site Task Group in ensuring the safety of the public during the Dinagyang Festival.

Dinagyang or “merrymaking” is a well-known festival celebrated every fourth week of January to honor the Holy Child Jesus.

The festival features activities such as colorful parades, food festivals, live band concerts, sports events, and other cultural shows.

The police warned that “enemy threat groups or criminal gangs” could endanger lives and properties during the festival. Hence, police Assistance Centers will be put up along highways, hotels, malls, churches, and other areas vulnerable to threats.

PRO 6 also tapped the services of the “Red Team,” which administered a series of Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) to evaluate and test security plans to identify gaps and address concerns.

Force multipliers such as Barangay Tanod,  volunteer groups, and students in Iloilo were also tapped for security deployment and crowd control.

The police station advised festival goers to avoid bringing prohibited items such as firearms and bladed weapons. /ee

READ: In the Know: Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival