KALIBO, Aklan – Security measures for today’s Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival 2019 opening salvo are all set.
Kalibo chief of police Superintendent Richard Mepania said his personnel were already assigned their posts.
Around 140 police officers and auxiliaries are deployed around the Pastrana Park, Magsaysay Park and major streets in Kalibo.
Aside from guarding the areas from possible crimes, the police officers will also help in maintaining smooth traffic flow amid a rerouting scheme to pave the way for the street dancing parade.
Portions of the Arch. Reyes Street, Veterans Avenue, Regalado Street, F. Quimpo Street, and XIX Martyrs Street will be closed.
The Kalibo Santo Niño Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. said it is expecting around 2,700 people from 61 Ati-Atihan tribes to join the parade.
The opening salvo, dubbed as “Tamboe Sadsad,” is a sneak peak to the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival, the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals.” The festival is scheduled on January 11 to 20 next year.
Aside from the parade, an opening program will be held at the Pastrana Park at 2 p.m. A rave party called “Hyteria 2.0” at Magsaysay Park will follow at 5 p.m.
Mepania said his personnel were divided into various units – intelligence, anti-criminality, investigation, traffic, and VIP security.
Responders from Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Saint Gabriel College and Bureau of Fire Protection will help cops in case of emergency.
There will be also K-9 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal units deployed to ensure safety should there be bomb threats during the revelries.
Parking is prohibited at the Pastrana Park beginning 6 a.m.
Mepania urged revelers to follow local ordinances, like the smoking ban in public places and ban on illegal drugs and deadly weapons.
Bringing bottled alcoholic and non-alocholic drinks during the merrymaking on streets is also prohibited. (With Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
