By Jennifer P. Rendon
Just like in previous editions of the Dinagyang Festival, this year’s festivities will also adopt telecommunication signal jamming and suspension of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR).
In a press conference Thursday, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) said signal jamming and gun ban are part of the security measures to ensure the peaceful celebration of the Dinagyang Festival 2023.
Lieutenant Colonel Rene Obregon, Dinagyang Festival 2023’s Sub-Site Task Group (SSTG) Venue commander, said the only difference this year is that signal jamming will only be imposed in areas where major events will be held.
“We have asked the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to limit the places covered by the signal jamming to the performing areas. So, the modified scheme of the signal shutdown will not affect the whole metropolis, unlike the previous celebration,” Obregon said.
The NTC has assured ICPO that it would try to limit the shutdown to Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Plaza Libertad, Plazoleta Gay, Provincial Capitol, Delgado, and Quezon Streets, and in Central Market, and the University of Iloilo where “Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan” and Ati Tribes Competition will be held.
The signal jamming will run from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 21 and 22.
Signal jamming will also be implemented during the Dinagyang ILOmination tribes’ competition and Parade of Lights on Jan 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the new business district in Mandurriao.
As announced on Wednesday, the ICPO said it will enforce the 10-day PTCFOR suspension from 12:01 a.m. of Jan 13 to 11:59 p.m. on Jan 22.
Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said only uniformed members of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and other law enforcement agencies on official duties and in agency-prescribed uniforms shall be allowed to carry firearms.
“This is to ensure that the activity will be free from firearm-related incidents for the safety of the community, as well as the local and foreign tourists,” Sangrines said.
The order for PRCFOR suspension is contained in a memorandum issued by Philippine National Police chief General Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. dated Dec. 6, 2022 and PNP Memorandum Circular No. 2011-021 on the “Policies and Procedures in the Suspension of PTCFOR.”
Sangrines said the directive shall be implemented in consonance with the Enhanced Managing Police Operations in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other law enforcement agencies, and local government units.
For law enforcers who are not in uniform, Sangrines said they would be asked for a signed document indicating that they are on official function.
“Those who would be caught violating the order will be charged accordingly,” she said.
Sangrines said the ICPO’s aim is for “zero major crime incidents” during the duration of the Dinagyang festival.
“We assure the public that a strict security package will be imposed throughout the celebration for a safe and secure Dinagyang 2023 celebration,” Sangrines said.
