The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported a 21.92 percent decline in crime during the last week of January as compared to the same period last year. The highlights and closing events of the annual Iloilo Dinagyang Festival typically take place during that time.

Between January 25 and 31, there were a total of 57 criminal incidents reports, down from the 73 recorded last year.

“This was Dinagyang week, one contributor [as to] why there was a decrease in [criminal] incidents was police visibility, especially in City Proper,” explained ICPO operations chief, Police Superintendent Jowel Saliba.

During the height of Dinagyang activities, between January 26 and 28, the police official said there were a total five incidents reported.

Among the security measures ICPO implemented during the festival highlights included signal jamming.

Similar security measures have been implemented in previous years, with calls, text messaging, and mobile data inaccessible within a three-kilometer radius of the tribe performance judging area./WDJ