ILOILO City – To ensure a peaceful, orderly, and enjoyable celebration of the Dinagyang Festival, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) and the Iloilo City Government have issued guidelines for the public to follow.
The ICPO has released a list of items banned during the festival:
- knives and other weapons
- glass, cans, and bottles of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages
- ice picks and other sharp objects
- unauthorized drones
- baggage and backpacks in judging areas
Large tarpaulins listing these prohibited items have been placed at pedestrian screening areas and border control points for public awareness.
Security personnel stationed at these points will inspect bags of individuals entering the City Proper.
Meanwhile, the city government has reminded the public of ordinances strictly implemented during the festival effecting the following: - No smoking or vaping in public places.
- No urinating, spitting, or defecating in public spaces.
- Curfew for minors will be observed from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. (except when accompanied by parents or guardians).
- No littering in streets, sidewalks, parks, playgrounds, and other public areas.
The ICPO also issued safety tips to prevent petty crimes: - Secure your phone or gadgets when taking photos to avoid being targeted by thieves.
- Avoid engaging with strangers who may use distraction tactics for theft.
- Refrain from using earphones or headphones while walking to remain alert.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewelry, as it may attract thieves.
- Report suspicious activities to the nearest police officer or station immediately.
- Comply with bag inspections at security checkpoints to ensure public safety.
- Familiarize yourself with emergency exits and police assistance desks in event areas.
- Refrain from bringing young children to event areas to avoid accidents or losing them in the crowd.
- Save emergency contact numbers, including police, medical responders, and festival organizers, for immediate assistance if needed.
For its part, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) and City Health Office (CHO) advised festivalgoers to protect their health by bringing essentials such as umbrellas, hats, water, food, maintenance medications, and familiarizing themselves with the locations of first aid stations.
“This festival is a celebration of our culture and devotion — let’s uphold discipline, respect, and unity to make Dinagyang 2025 a remarkable experience for all,” said Police Colonel Kim Legada, ICPO director and Site Task Group (STG) Dinagyang Festival 2025 commander./PN
