By Jennifer P. Rendon
This year’s celebration proved to be one of the safest, if not the safest, Dinagyang Festival.
And just like recent Dinagyang celebrations, this year’s edition was devoid of any major incident.
“We also recorded a reduced number of street crimes,” Brigadier General Leo Francisco, Western Visayas police chief, said.
From January 13 to 22, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 only recorded a single incident of physical injury.
During the last in-person Dinagyang in 2020, PRO-6 logged three physical injury cases. Apart from that, no other crimes were reported.
Francisco attributed the success of the Dinagyang’s security coverage to the extensive security operations; deployment of thousands of police personnel, other law enforcement agencies and peacekeeping volunteers; and intensified conduct of police visibility/security patrol on seaports, terminals and other places of convergence.
The region’s top cop also cited the adoption of Major Event Security Framework (MESF) and Whole-of-Government approach, and the conduct of mandatory activities and implementation of best practices which led to the peaceful celebration of Dinagyang.
“The tourists, guests, merrymakers and pilgrims enjoyed the series of activities during the festival, knowing that they are safe and secure throughout the festivities. The presence of the security forces in all corners of festival areas and the entire city greatly contributed to the success of the festivity,” he said.
Francisco also cited policemen, partner agencies, force multipliers, stakeholders and the community for their cooperation, understanding and support during the festivity.
