Physical injuries, lewd acts mar Dinagyang revelry

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Dinagyang Festival 2020 celebration was so far more peaceful, orderly, and systematic, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

It went on for days with no untoward incidents. Well, almost.

The ICPO would have scored a clean sheet if not for the two physical injuries and four lascivious acts that were reportedly committed Sunday evening until early morning Monday.

Police Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said two physical injury cases were reported within the sector areas or those places that encompass the venues for Dinagyang-related activities.

Still, the statistics are better from last year’s three incidents of physical injuries.

On the other hand, four men were jailed after they allegedly groped women’s private parts.

Two of the complaints are minors while the other two are of legal age.

The first arrest was made around 9 p.m. Sunday at J.M. Basa St., City Proper district.

Police nabbed a certain Roger, 25, single, of Barangay Opra, Kalunasan, Cebu City but temporarily residing at Duran St., City Proper.

At 12:20 a.m., 32-year-old Nilo of Barangay Lag-an, Cabatuan was collared at Iznart St., City Proper.

Ten minutes later, a certain Rene Boy, 25, of San Remigio, Antique was also arrested at Iznart St.

At 4:40 a.m., 53-year-old Andrebon of Zone 1, Barangay Tanza Timawa, Molo district was arrested for allegedly fondling a lady.

The complainants against Nila and Roquero were minors.

Sangrines said the three complainants would no longer pursue charges against the suspects after signing an affidavit of non-interest to file cases.

But a 16-year-old girl already filed a case against Rene Boy for acts of lasciviousness.

All four men, who were detained after the incident, appeared to be drunk.

But Sangrines said there’s no excuse for what they did.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, the ICPO reported that Dinagyang 2020’s Task Unit Investigation had not recorded a single incident involving eight focus crimes – murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping/motorcycle theft.

Sangrines said they also did not receive any infraction report at other areas where Dinagyang-related events were held.