Security tightened for Panay festivals

By Jeehan v. Fernandez

Security plans have been readied for two successive festivals happening in Panay Island this January.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be coordinating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) in securing both domestic and foreign tourists who will grace the two major festivities-Ati-atihan in Kalibo, Aklan and Dinagyang in Iloilo City.

Major Lyndon Sollesta, public information officer of 3 rd Infantry Division, pointed out that in Kalibo, authorities have started the security measures even as early as December 2004.

"We have strengthened the CAFGU detachments and increased checkpoint operations together with the PNP in line with the Ati-atihan Festival," Sollesta stressed.

"We will be establishing patrols along the strong republic nautical highway so that it will not hamper the movement of people, goods and other products," Sollesta said. He also cited the safety measures for the influx of tourists in Boracay.

"After the lifting of the Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) of AFP, we will increase our strength of the reserves with the 47th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Mariano Perez," Sollesta said.

Sollesta added that on the day of the festival, the Army will prepare for a company type of a reserve contingent to be placed on standby at the 17 th IB Headquarters.

Sollesta also noted that Task Force Panay under Col. Nestor Ochoa has already prepared for their security measures for the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo City .

"However, in the absence of the formal request from the PNP, we will place all the army forces on hold at their respective company detachments," he said adding that the main efforts for security are in the PNP.