Security tightened

ahead of festivities

Effective yesterday, Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) director, Police Colonel Roland Vilela, said security will be stepped up ahead of the upcoming Dinagyang Festival including checkpoint and chokepoint operations being doubled in an effort to intercept contraband and deter movements of criminals.
“We support the goal of a zero major crime incidents during the Dinagyang Festival and establishing strong security at the boundaries of Iloilo province and city,” he said. “Securing the Dinagyang Festival is our shared responsibility.”
It was earlier reported, ahead of the Iloilo Dinagyang 2020 opening salvo, which kicks off today, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will be deploying 160 police officers, along with an augmentation force from regional command and 320 force multipliers, to maintain security.
“We expect a big volume of the crowd will watch the initial performance of the tribes,” explained ICPO director, Police Colonel Martin Defensor. “This is also a dry-run for our deployment during the Dinagyang Festival.”
Today’s events are scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. at four judging areas across the city, the Freedom Grandstand, Central Market, and the corners of Iznart-Solis Streets and Valeria-Ledesma Streets.
Eight tribes are expected to each perform presentations.
The event will also include a prelude for Dagyang sa Calle Real, which will formally take place on January 25; along with appearances by this year’s Miss Iloilo 2020 candidates.
Meanwhile, a fireworks display at the Freedom Grandstand will cap off the start of Dinagyang./WDJ