KALIBO, Aklan – Around 2,000 policemen will secure peace and order in Kalibo, Aklan for the Feast of Señor Sto. Niño de Kalibo and the Kalibo Sr. Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.
Lieutenant Colonel Belshazzar Villanoche, chief of the Aklan Provincial Operations and Management Unit, said thousands of merrymakers are expected to converge to celebrate the religious activities.
Site Task Group Ati-Atihan will be augmented by personnel from Police Regional Office-6 and the municipal police stations in Aklan for the safety of devotees, balikbayans, and revelers.
Emergency responders and force multipliers are also on standby for critical situations and emergencies. Border controls were established, manned by uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army.
Assistance desks in strategic areas and pedestrian screening areas in the festival zone were also in place.
The Ati-Atihan festival is celebrated from Jan. 3 to 21.
Among the crowd drawers are Paeapak from Jan. 12 to 21, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights from Jan. 15 to 21, Sinaot sa Calle on Jan. 16 and 17, Aklan Higante Contest and Local Government Unit Parade, Bamboo Concert (Pook Port) and Kapuso Night (Pastrana Park) on Jan. 18, Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan Contest on Jan. 20, Pilgrims Mass, and religious processions on Jan. 21./PN
