By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) remains ready to implement heightened security measures for the upcoming Dinagyang Festival, even as its request for signal jamming faces potential rejection for the second consecutive year.
ICPO spokesperson Shella Mae Sangrines assured the public that the police will be in “full force” regardless of the decision by the festival’s key organizers.
“We are ready. We are just considering all the measures to maximize security for the Dinagyang Festival. We prefer over-preparation rather than falling short,” Sangrines said in a phone interview.
She emphasized that the Site Task Group Dinagyang does not rely solely on signal jamming to ensure security, citing additional measures such as personnel augmentation and monitoring systems.
“We only consider signal jamming to help us in securing the event, but we have other plans and resources in place,” she added.
The ICPO sent a formal request for signal jamming to the Iloilo City Government on November 4, 2024, specifically targeting high-density areas during peak festival times.
Sangrines acknowledged the public’s concerns, including those of small businesses and app-based services that experienced disruptions during past festivals.
“We understand there have been many comments about this, and we respect the sentiments of the people. Even within the police force, we face challenges in communication during signal interruptions,” she said.
Signal jamming was excluded from the 2024 Dinagyang Festival due to complaints about service delays and interruptions affecting businesses in the city, neighboring towns, and Guimaras Island.
In 2023, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) explained that selective signal blocking is challenging due to the wide coverage areas of cell sites, making it difficult to isolate specific locations without impacting adjacent areas.
Regardless of the outcome, Sangrines reiterated the ICPO’s commitment to ensuring a safe and secure Dinagyang Festival through alternative security measures and close collaboration with the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc., and the city government.
“We respect whatever decision is made. Our main goal is to provide a secure environment for everyone during the celebration,” she said.
