Security tight as PGMA may visit Kalibo Ati-atihan
Kalibo, Aklan -- Recognizing the cultural significance and its value in promoting tourism as the Mother of all Philippine Festivals through her speech during her Presidential Visit of the 2006 Ati-Atihan Festival, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is again expected to visit Kalibo to experience the 795th Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.
Aside from the non-stop preparation for the arrival of guests, visitors and tourists, the Local Government thru Mayor Raymar Rebaldo's leadership is focusing on the security of the festival where more than 150 policemen from the Regional Headquarters will be deployed to help in the preservation of peace and order especially during the President's visit.
Mayor Rebaldo, as Chair of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board has given assurance that a workable security plan was already passed by the Chief of police of Kalibo.
The police will be augmented by soldiers and reservists from the Philippine Army, reservists from the Philippine Air Force, volunteers from the Civil Society Organizations and criminology students from the Northwestern Visayan Colleges and Aklan Catholic College.
Terence Toriano