Dinagyang draws 350K crowd, ends with zero major incident

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Based on estimates from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), this year’s Dinagyang Festival drew around 350,000 devotees, spectators, and tourists.

Despite the massive turnout, the crowd did not pose a security nightmare for law enforcement.

“And it’s all because preparation, coordination, and commitment have come together to bring out one of the most peaceful Dinagyang celebrations,” said Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, Western Visayas police chief.

Ligan, who also serves as the Security Task Group (STG) Dinagyang 2026 commander, announced during the Jan. 26 closing and awarding ceremony at the Freedom Grandstand that no major incident was recorded throughout the festival.

He noted that the eight focus crimes — murder, homicide, physical injury, theft, robbery, rape, carnapping of motor vehicles, and carnapping of motorcycles — decreased by 44.44 percent during Dinagyang week from Jan. 19 to 25.

From eight recorded incidents in 2025, the number dropped to only three this year.

“It’s all because of intensified security measures, strong inter-agency coordination, and the active cooperation of the public,” Ligan said.

Police also cited the enforcement of a 10-day gun ban as a major accomplishment, with zero violators recorded by the ICPO from 12:01 a.m. of Jan. 15 to 11:59 p.m. of Jan. 25.

The City Joint Operations Center (CJOC) only recorded minor cases such as loss of consciousness, hyperventilation, and intoxication.

Authorities deployed a total of 7,579 security personnel across key venues, thoroughfares, transport hubs, and convergence areas.

These included personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and volunteer groups.

“The peaceful and orderly celebration of Dinagyang Festival 2026 reflects the strong partnership among the police, local government, other law enforcement agencies, and most importantly, the Ilonggos and our visitors who observed discipline and cooperation. This success is a testament to our shared commitment to public safety,” Ligan said.

Police Regional Office-6 also acknowledged the support of the Iloilo City Government, event organizers, barangay officials, and the media for their vital role in information dissemination and crowd management.

Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, who assumed his post as ICPO officer-in-charge just days before the festival, declared the operation a “mission accomplished” for the police force.

Parilla credited the community, partner agencies, and festival organizers for their unwavering support and cooperation.

“Once again, we proved that through unity and cooperation, success is achieved. This year’s Dinagyang Festival marked a significant milestone — an event defined by unity, celebration, and, most importantly, peace,” he said.

Parilla added that the festival’s success reflected the shared commitment of the Iloilo City community, the support of the Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI), and the dedication of TG Dinagyang 2026 to ensuring a peaceful, safe, and secure celebration for all.