All systems go for Dinagyang security

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this year’s Dinagyang Festival will stand as one of the safest, if not the safest, celebrations in recent times.

Captain Julieta Sequio, Site Task Group Dinagyang Festival 2023 spokesperson, said that “it’s all systems go, as far as security preparations are concerned.”

“We have ironed out minor glitches and we’re ready for the Dinagyang highlights over the weekend,” she said.

Organizers have deployed 7,215 security personnel starting January 16 until January 22.

Composed of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, and other force multipliers, the security forces will form part of the Site Task Group (STG) Dinagyang 2023.

Around 2,049 STG personnel will compose the five task units: SSTG Command and Control, SSTG Security, SSTG Peace and Order, SSTG Emergency Preparedness and Response, and SSTG Public Safety.

Apart from the organic police in Iloilo, 2,159 augmentation police personnel and 2,971 force multipliers also make up the security contingency.

Just like Bacolod City’s MassKara Festival and Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan Festival, Dinagyang will also adopt the Major Event Security Framework (MESF) and Whole-of Nation Strategy for its security preparations.

As of press time, Sequio said they have yet to record any Dinagyang-related incidents such as theft or physical injuries, among others.

SIGNAL JAMMING, GUN BAN

Just like previous in-person celebrations of the Dinagyang Festival, this year’s festivities also adopted signal jamming and suspension of the suspension of Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR).

But unlike the previous celebrations, the signal jamming will only be imposed in areas where major events will be held.

The NTC has assured the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) that it would try to limit the shutdown in the areas of Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Plaza Libertad, Plazoleta Gay, Provincial Capitol, Delgado, and Quezon Streets, and in Central Market, and the University of Iloilo where “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” and Ati Tribes Competition will be held.

The signal jamming will run from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on January 21 and 22.

Signal jamming will also be implemented during the Dinagyang ILOmination tribes competition and Parade of Lights on the evening of Jan 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the new business district in Mandurriao.

As announced on Wednesday, the ICPO said a 10-day PTCFOR suspension is also in force.

The suspension will run from 12:01 a.m. on January 13 until 11:59 p.m. on January 22.

So far, Sequio said they have yet to arrest anyone for gun ban violation.

BOMB JOKES

ICPO also reminded merrymakers that making jokes involving bombs or bomb threats should be strictly observed during the Dinagyang festivities.

Actions that are deemed to cause panic and alarm are discouraged.

Violators would be charged for violation of Presidential Decree 1727, which declares as unlawful the malicious dissemination of false information of the willful making of any threat concerning bombs, explosives, or any similar device of means of destruction and imposing penalties therefor.

Further, only drones accredited by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) and the Iloilo City government are allowed to fly in the judging areas.

Also, police said that backpacks are not totally prohibited but spectators are discouraged from bringing one.

Those who would carry backpacks would be subjected to inspection at the pedestrian screening areas (PSAs).

All deadly weapons and contraband are also prohibited.