ILOILO City – Sunday’s brazen killings in broad daylight must not spiral into a security nightmare this Dinagyang Festival week, according to Mayor Jerry Treñas. “Of course we are worried. We have dignitaries coming. I don’t want incidents similar to Sunday’s to happen again,” he said.
Despite the much vaunted Dinagyang security preparations, armed men were able to avoid police detection and separately kill two targets within minutes in Jaro and La Paz districts on Jan. 19.
Treñas said he was “so surprised and taken aback” by the daring assassinations but expressed confidence in the security plan of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
The successive killings appeared not related, according to investigators. The victim in the Jaro shooting was a call center agent and drug suspect while the one in La Paz was a businessman.
“Hopefully this will not happen again. Dinagyang week na naton,” said Treñas yesterday.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s partner Honeylet Avanceña leads the dignitaries invited to witness Sunday’s ati tribes competition, the Dinagyang highlight.
Treñas ordered Police Colonel Martin Defensor, city police director, to conduct an investigation on the killings. He assured the public that the ICPO is “on top of the situation.”
Today starts the deployment of policemen across the city augmented by contingents from the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
In the days leading to Sunday’s Dinagyang highlight, a series of activities would be held. Treñas assured visitors they are safe.
Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking.
On Jan. 25 there’s the Dagyang sa Calle Real, sponsors’ mardi gras and religious sadsad. These are all expected to attract huge crowds.
On Jan. 24 there’s the drum and bugle competition, fluvial procession, float parade, and fireworks display.
Another crowd-magnet is the four day Dinagyang Food Festival from Jan. 23 to 26.
The city government’s Public Safety and Transportation Management Office’s patrol cars and motorcycles would also help the police patrol the city, said Treñas.
The ICPO is mobilizing its 600 uniformed personnel plus over 2,000 from the PRO-6 and more than 3,000 force multipliers that include barangay officials and tanods, among others.
There will also be policemen in civilian clothes; they will blend with spectators, said ICPO’s Defensor.
“Our security personnel are in place. They know their specific areas of assignment,” he stressed.
Police assistance desks will be erected and the Philippine Army will also be sending troops to the city.
“Expect strict frisking of revelers. Big bags and backpack are not allowed as well as deadly weapons, glass bottles and buckle knives,” said Defensor.
The permit to carry firearms outside of residence will be suspended from Jan. 23 to 26.
“Those caught for carrying firearms will be jailed and charged in court,” said Defensor.
Dinagyang is known for its participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect Ilonggo ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry.
It has been voted the “best tourism event” three times in a row – 2006, 2007 and 2008 – by the Association of Tourism Officers in the Philippines./PN
