Dinagyang 2026: Zero gun busts, all good vibes

By Jennifer P. Rendon

One week into the implementation of the Dinagyang Festival gun ban, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has reported no arrests related to illegal firearm possession.

“This is a good development, as far as law enforcement is concerned,” said ICPO spokesperson Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines. “It means that our awareness campaign is effective. The public is cognizant of the order being implemented.”

On Jan. 6, the Philippine National Police approved the Police Regional Office 6’s request to suspend all permits to transport and carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) in Iloilo City. The suspension runs from 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 15 to 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 25, 2026.

Under the guidelines, only members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and other law enforcement agencies performing official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms are allowed to carry firearms.

In line with this directive, the ICPO is strictly implementing the gun ban, particularly at festival venues, along procession routes and during related events.

Sangrines said 18 pedestrian screening areas (PSAs) have been set up where individuals are being frisked.

“Beyond the security measures inside the inner ring, we have also established 10 outer border control areas in strategic locations in Iloilo City,” she said.

Sangrines expressed hope that the record of zero gun-related arrests will hold through the end of Dinagyang Festival 2026.

During last year’s celebration, three individuals were arrested during the same period for violating the election-related gun ban, which ran from Jan. 11 to June 12, 2025.