ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported having successfully ensured the safety of thousands of attendees during three recent major events — the Chinese New Year celebration, the Jaro Fiesta, and the Ang Dios Gugma religious rally — without any major incidents.
Under the leadership of Police Colonel Kim Legada, the ICPO implemented stringent security measures across key locations, including Jaro Plaza, Chinese community centers, and the Iloilo Sports Complex. Law enforcement personnel, force multipliers, and volunteers were deployed to safeguard the festivities.
The Iloilo City Tactical Operations Center (CTOC) reported no significant disturbances during the Chinese New Year parade and celebrations at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand on February 1; the Jaro fiesta mass and grand procession in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria at Jaro Plaza on February 2; and the Ang Dios Gugma religious rally at the Iloilo Sports Complex on February 1 and 2.
ICPO attributed the peaceful celebrations to early security preparations, proactive crowd management, and strong community engagement.
The success of the operations was supported by increased police visibility, reinforced security, effective traffic control, anti-criminality efforts, and close coordination with event organizers, it stressed.
Legada commended the public and security forces for their cooperation, stressing the importance of collective efforts in maintaining peace.
“Through unity and proactive security measures, we have ensured a safe and meaningful celebration for everyone. We urge the public to continue working with us to keep Iloilo City peaceful and secure,” he said./PN
