BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is leveraging the election period’s gun ban to enhance security for the upcoming Dinagyang Festival 2025, ensuring both a safe celebration and public safety ahead of the May 12 midterm polls.
On January 12, the gun ban mandated by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will take effect and last until June 11.
January 12 is the official start of the election period. On the other hand, the Dinagyang Festival’s opening salvo is on January 10, two days before the start of the gun ban and election period.
Comelec Resolution No. 10999 prohibits carrying or transporting firearms and deadly weapons unless authorized.
Violators risk severe penalties, including imprisonment, disqualification from public office, loss of voting rights, and deportation for foreigners after serving their sentence.
ICPO director Police Colonel Kim Legada cited the dual significance of this period: “The Dinagyang Festival is a time for celebration, but it also demands heightened vigilance.”
The Dinagyang Festival, celebrated annually in honor of the Santo Niño (Holy Child Jesus), is a showcase of Iloilo’s cultural heritage, featuring colorful street dances, religious processions, and various community activities.
“Let us work together to uphold safety and create a secure environment for everyone,” said Legada.
The main events of the Dinagyang Festival, set for January 25 (Ati tribes competition) and 26 (Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan), are expected to attract thousands of attendees. The ICPO is intensifying security operations, urging public cooperation to ensure peace and order during the festival and election period.
Weeks ago, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil ordered intensified efforts against private armed groups and loose firearms in line with initiatives to ensure the conduct of a peaceful and orderly election this year.
Based on the PNP’s January to November 2024 data, police officers arrested 8,628 people for violating the Firearm and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The PNP said 2,033 violators were arrested in Metro Manila, 979 in Central Luzon, and 906 in Central Visayas.
It also said that authorities seized 25,240 loose firearms – mostly from Central Visayas (3,951), Western Visayas (3,023), and Metro Manila (2,175)./PN