Beverages, Backpacks, and Rallies Banned at Dinagyang

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has released a list of prohibited items and activities for the 2025 Dinagyang Festival, similar to last year’s guidelines.

Topping the “Dinagyang Don’ts” is the ban on firearms and deadly weapons, including barbecue sticks.

Iloilo City Police Chief Colonel Kim Legada emphasized that carrying firearms violates both festival guidelines and Executive Order No. 167 issued by Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Offenders also risk charges under Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and the election gun ban, which is in effect from January 12 to June 11, 2025.

Penalties include imprisonment of one to six years, permanent disqualification from public office, loss of voting rights, and deportation for foreigners after serving their sentence.

Executive Order No. 167 also prohibits carrying glass bottles, cans, or liquor containers in public areas during the festival.

Smoking will only be allowed in designated areas.

The flying of drones is prohibited unless authorized by the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Other banned activities include:

• Lighting firecrackers or similar pyrotechnics;
• Carrying or using backpacks within the festival area, subject to inspection by the Festival Security Committee;
• Making prank jokes that could incite public panic; and
• Conducting political rallies or anti-government protests disguised as festival activities.

Legada urged public cooperation, stressing that these measures aim to ensure safety and security.

The ICPO will also enforce Regulation Ordinance No. 2004-149, which prohibits littering in public spaces such as streets, parks, and playgrounds.

The ordinance also bans urinating, spitting, and defecating in public.

“We ask for everyone’s cooperation and understanding as we implement stringent frisking measures in designated Pedestrian Security Areas (PSA) during the Dinagyang celebration,” Legada said.

The ICPO has established 14 Pedestrian Security Areas across festival venues to maintain order.