SAFETY ASSURED
Aliño assures safety of visitors and revelers during Dinagyang highlights
By Jeehan V. Fernandez
Chief Supt. George Ali ño, regional director of the Philippine National Police, assured the safety of visitors and revelers during the two-day highlights of the Dinagyang Festival this weekend.
Aliño said security measures and operation plans for the celebration, which is expected to gather throngs of people from other places, are already in place.
Aliño said some 200 policemen from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) and the Regional Headquarters would help the personnel from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) in the maintenance of peace and order.
Members of SWAT team and the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) would also be on duty.
Aliño added 275 police trainees are also tasked to help in the crowd control.
He said the ICPO has designated groups to secure airport, seaport, VIPs, performance areas, crowd control and traffic flow.
The support units include ROTC cadets, traffic aides, city health office and Red Cross.
To note, this year's Dinagyang festival will have “international exposure” through The Filipino Channel of giant network ABS-CBN.
The Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation Inc. (IDFI) tied-up with the network, making ABS-CBN the media partner for the coverage of this year's event with the P26-M promotion to highlight Iloilo as tourist and investment destination worldwide.
Mayor Jerry Treñas announced that special guests are expected to grace the festival. Distinguished visitors include Ambassador Claudio Lira of Brazil; Ambassadors Mohammed Ameen and Mohammed Wali of Saudi Arabia; Hanayo Nagaoka, Mrs. Cecilia Tolentino and Mr. Tolentino who will represent the Ambassador of Japan and Matthew Tayler as representative of US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone.
National officials who confirmed their visit are Senators Manuel Villar, Jamby Madrigal, Bong Revilla, Manuel Roxas and Frank Drilon. Cabinet secretaries Rene Villa (Department of Land Reform), Angelo Reyes (Department of Interior and Local Government) and Raul Gonzalez, Sr. (Department of Justice) will also be present.
Treñas stressed the city is ready for the big event seen to draw a great audience. He cited that Dinagyang posters and streamers have been posted in airports, sea ports and bus terminals throughout the country, to attract domestic and foreign tourists.
