ICPO seals security measures for Dinagyang Festival
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has ironed out possible security glitches relative to the celebration of the Kasadyahan and Dinagyang Festival on January 23 and 24, respectively.
ICPO director Senior Supt. Melvin Mongcal said that ICPO cops, as well as their augmentation forces, are ready in taking on their duties.
“We have planned everything – from crowd control to road security and traffic management,” he assured.
Intelligence and investigation operatives have been mobilized to detect any plans of sabotage, Mongcal said.
“Although we don’t see any impending threat, at the moment,” he added.
The city police chief said that deployment of enough personnel was noted in their security preparations.
A thousand policemen are expected to secure the revelers.
“All of our 560 policemen will be available for the celebration. Some of them will man the stations and 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 with another 100 warm bodies.
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.
On top of that, ICPO will be utilizing the K-9 units from the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Air Force.
Also, PNP Regional Director Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas have approved the request for putting of PAF helicopters on standby for the celebration.
Warning
Along with the police’s security preparations, Mongcal appealed to the revelers to cooperate with the authorities.
“Since it also coincides with the implementation of the election gun ban, we will double our efforts in banning the carrying of on guns and deadly weapon,” he added.
Second, Mongcal said that they will coordinate with stall owners not to sell beers in bottles.
Further, the city police chief also reminded cops that they should cut the pointed end of barbecue sticks before giving it to consumers.
“We will also be working to tone down the by at 10:00 in the evening during the street party,” he added.
And for those who would choose to go against the law, Mongcal said that four container vans are waiting for them.
The container vans will serve as temporary lock-up cells for violators.
These are placed at Plaza Libertad, Valeria, and Iznart streets.
ICPO also placed police assistance centers in areas the four staging areas.
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; Port 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.
