BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO & JEN BYLON
ILOILO City – Personnel of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) beefed up security for Simbang Gabi as some churches began the nine-day mass on Friday night, Dec. 15, and Saturday morning, Dec. 16.
ICPO director Colonel Joeresty Coronica said enough police officers were detailed in places of worship, commercial areas, major streets, and places of convergence in anticipation of the flurry of people.
“Personnel were deployed in commercial areas and other areas where there is usually a high incidence of crime,” Coronica said.
He said their measures aimed at curbing petty crimes like theft, robbery, and other modus operandi such as basag kotse, budol-budol, pickpocketing, and snatching, among others.
“I encouraged everyone to be vigilant and advised them to beware of swindlers. Do not easily trust strangers or new personalities or acquaintances,” Coronica added.
Also, at 5:30 a.m. this Saturday, “Pamukaw,” to kick-start the mood for Dinagyang Festival 2024, will be held.
The Pamukaw Foot Parade will start at the San Jose Parish Placer going to the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, then on JM Basa and Iznart streets.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. announced the temporary road closure from 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. due to the foot parade. Affected areas are the following:
* portion of Zamora Street
* portion of Calazans Street
* portions of Da la Rama and Hervas streets
* portion of Muelle Loney Street in front of Iloilo Freedom Grandstand
* Peralta Street
* portion of JM Basa Street
* whole stretch of Iznart Street all the way to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol
Meanwhile, IPPO spokesperson Major Rolando Araño reminded the public to immediately report to the police any suspicious individuals in the vicinity.
Wearing jewelry or carrying a huge amount of money is also discouraged.
Araño assured that police personnel are on 24-hour watch and police assistance desks were established for assistance and response in cases of emergency.
However, the ICPO and IPPO emphasized that the public should prioritize personal safety and promptly seek help from the nearest police station if they fall victim to theft, robbery, or other criminal activities./PN
