By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Police Regional Office Region 6 (PRO-6) has mobilized more than 7,300 law enforcers to ensure security during the major activities of the Dinagyang Festival as it aims for zero major crimes.
During a send-off ceremony on Wednesday, January 22, a total of 7,257 personnel were deployed, comprising 3,369 Philippine National Police officers and 3,888 force multipliers from various agencies and volunteer groups.
The force multipliers include 23 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 268 from the Philippine Coast Guard, 376 from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, City Health Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection, 754 from the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office and Public Order and Safety Management Office, and 2,467 from other volunteer groups.
Some of the personnel had recently concluded their duties at the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, held January 18–19.
This year’s deployment is lower than the 8,607 personnel assigned in 2024, but PRO-6 Director BGen. Jack Wanky assured the public of robust security measures.
“[They are] acting as a security contingent for the purpose of organizing our control on traffic management, emergency response, and most especially crime prevention and suppression,” Wanky said.
He emphasized that success indicators for their security operations include zero major crime incidents, no street crimes, and efficient emergency response.
Wanky noted the need for heightened security due to the anticipated influx of local and international tourists, as well as increased attendance from politicians ahead of the election season.
“There will be an increase in the convergence areas of people who will be coming for the activity. Our role then is to ensure that security threats cannot make way into the spaces and disrupt the celebration,” he added.
To address these challenges, PRO-6 will deploy patrol and mobile units, establish command posts and police assistance desks, and mobilize covert intelligence personnel. Checkpoints, especially in border areas, will also be intensified.
The comprehensive security plan aims to provide a safe and enjoyable celebration for all attendees of the Dinagyang Festival.
