More than 400 cops sent to Dinagyang, Dinagsa

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) here has sent a total of 453 personnel to the cities of Cadiz and Iloilo to augment the security for the two grand festivities.

Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, public information officer of Nocppo, said that 325 police non-commissioned officers (PNCOs) and nine police commissioned officers (PCOs) were sent to Iloilo City for the Dinagyang Festival, while 119 PNCOs were also sent to Cadiz City for the celebration of the Dinagsa Festival.

The highlights of these festivals will be this weekend.

The main highlight of the Dinagyang Festival is the Dinagyang Tribes Competition on January 28, which will showcase the creativity and flair of eight local tribes.

For the Dinagsa Festival, the city is celebrating the 50th edition of the festival this year.

The Golden Dinagsa honors their patron saint, Senor Santo de Cadiz.

The Dinagsa’s Sinaot Cadiznon Street Dance Competition and the much-awaited “lamhitanay sa dalan” will “colorize” the final day on January 28.

Donasco said that police aim for zero-crime incidents during these big celebrations, thus strengthening their police presence in various festival sites.

“We hope they respect the place and the people. We should be more mindful and careful while enjoying the festival,” she added.

Donasco assured that the police will give their 100 percent to prevent crimes.

Aside from these two areas, she said that 465 PNCOs and two PCOs were also sent to Aklan during the celebration of Ati-Atihan last week.