BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – As Dinagyang draws near, the festival organizer and police authorities have set guidelines to ensure safer merrymaking.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Rene Obregon Jr., chief of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Operations Management Unit, said they will impose a ban on firearms, sharp and deadly weapons, and other contraband.
“During the week of Dinagyang, a gun ban will be implemented,” said Obregon.
In line with this, ICPO director Colonel Joeresty Coronica told Panay News they have already sent out a request to Camp Crame and are awaiting approval.
“As part of our security measures for the peaceful celebration of Dinagyang Festival 2024, we sent a request to the chief of the PNP (Philippine National Police) through RD (Police Regional Office 6 Director) for the suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence in Iloilo City for the period Jan. 19–29, 2024. Right now, we are still waiting for the approval of said request,” Coronica said.
The Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) has issued some reminders to ensure that festivalgoers fully enjoy the celebrations. These are:
Do’s
* Buddy system is encouraged
* Wear comfortable clothes
* Stay hydrated and make sure to eat
* Protect yourself from the heat
* Take care of your belongings
* Watch over your children closely
* Be aware of the locations of police assistance and first aid booths
* Familiarize the route for Dinagyang Festival 2024
Don’ts
* Carrying glass, cans, or bottles of liquor or soda while roaming around
* Carrying firearms and other deadly weapons (BBQ stick included)
* No smoking (except in designated areas)
* Flying of drones (except authorized by the IFFI and the PRO-6)
* Lighting of firecrackers and similar pyrotechnics
* Carrying or using a knapsack bag inside the festival area (subject to random inspection by the festival security committee)
* Prank jokes that will cause mass alarm
* Conduct of political rallies and anti-government protests under the guise of merry-making activity.
Adding to these are the ICPO’s child safety guidelines:
* Set a place to meet if lost.
* Use identification cards, bracelets, or tags with contact information.
* Make sure the child knows his name and parent’s contact information.
* Pair each child with a friend or sibling.
* Wear bright colors to be easily seen in the crowd.
* Bring a recent photo of the child. Keep a good watch and hold hands in crowded places.
* Teach the child the “stranger danger” and not to talk or go with strangers.
* Identify and teach the child the nearest police assistance desk.
These aim to ensure that the upcoming Dinagyang Festival remains a joyous and safe occasion for all attendees, allowing everyone to participate without compromising their well-being./PN
