Security plan mapped out for Dinagyang Festival
If things go well as planned, this year’s celebration of the Dinagyang Festival, Department of Tourism’s Best Tourism Event for 2009, will be as secured as in the past years.
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Senior Supt. Melvin Mongcal said that security preparations were already mapped out for the two-day highlight of the celebration this weekend.
These include the deployment of personnel and traffic rerouting among others.
A thousand policemen are expected to secure the revelers.
“Two-thirds of our police force comprising of about 350 policemen, will be earmarked for the celebration. This will be augmented by policemen from the field training program numbering to about 267,” he added.
The number will get a boost from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) which will send out some 100 personnel.
Mongcal noted that the Regional Public Management Safety Battalion will also be augmenting the existing ICPO force.
Further, the ICPO commander said that they will be tapping force multipliers like students of National Service Training Program (NSTP) and police interns from the different colleges and universities in Iloilo City.
Traffic rerouting
Just like during the Dinagyang 2010 opening salvo last January 15, the Iloilo City Traffic Management and Engineering Unit (TMEU) will be employing the same traffic rerouting plan for the Kasadyahan and Ati-Atihan contests slated on January 23 and 24, respectively.
The route of the parade will start from JM Basa, Plaza Libertad turn right F. Caram Avenue turn left General Luna Street turn left Quezon then turn left Ledesma.
From Ledesma St., turn right Iznart and turn left Rizal Street turn left Ortiz turn right JM Basa turn left Zamora turn left Calazan and turn left Dela Rama and turn right JM Basa. .
Mongcal said that the TMEU already designated areas where public untility jeepneys could load and unload their passengers.
Traffic will be closed starting 7:00 in the morning on Saturday, January 23, and at 6:00 a.m. starting on Sunday, January 24.
Aside from PUJs, the TMEU also laid out its plans for streets and thoroughfares where private vehicles could pass.
Mongcal noted, though, that all private vehicles shall be allowed to enter the City Proper areas except on streets declared no entry to all types of vehicles.
Meanwhile, TMEU designated Peralta St. and portion of Muelle Loney St. at the back of custom House are designated as parking area for VIP and ambulances.
Further, all trucks and trailers coming from the Jalandoni, Lapuz, and Bo. Obrero in La Paz district; Fort San Pedro area; Plaza La Paz; Tanza area; and B. Aquino Ave. shall not be allowed in going in and out of City Proper during the duration of the festivities.
