Following the recent deadly cathedral bombing in Sulu, backpacks will be banned from the Jaro Cathedral during the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria feast day, which is celebrated today, February 2.

“We will not allow those who are carrying backpacks to enter the church,” affirmed Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa III. “Either you leave your backpack or we will not allow you to enter the vicinity of the church.”

Meanwhile, Supt. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6, said in an interview on Thursday, January 31, that they will employ the protocol that was implemented during the 51st Dinagyang Festival last January 27.

“We will be employing the Major Event Security Framework for the Jaro fiesta. Also, we will be coordinating with other agencies to give not just safety but also security,” Malong said.

Ambulances, medics and first aid stations, in coordination with other government agencies, will also be deployed in strategic areas.

Malong said the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will be responsible for deploying the police personnel for the Jaro fiesta.

Policewomen will also be present in pedestrian screening areas during the fiesta following the circulation of the fake news about women suicide bombers. “We will be deploying policewomen to frisk and to check whether or not they have something in their body,” Malong added./WDJ