BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO & JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – The 2024 Dinagyang Festival was generally peaceful with zero major crime incidents recorded, according to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
Towards the end of the revelry on Sunday evening, the Site Task Group Dinagyang 2024 monitored more or less 158,000 revelers in all event venues.
Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, ICPO director and site task group commander, said they only recorded minor incidents such as the arrest of a 48-year-old man for violating the Dinagyang gun ban, theft cases, and traffic accidents attributed to alcohol influence.
Coronica thanked all personnel involved, emphasizing the significance of unity and support in achieving a generally peaceful Dinagyang Festival.
He emphasized that the success of the festival was a testament to the collaborative efforts and called for continued cooperation for future endeavors.
“Again, we made history; your support and cooperation are the keys. Ang Dinagyang 2024 pamatuod lang nga basta gabinuligay kag ginpreparahan, ano man ka daku sang kahiwatan kag pagtilaw malampuwasan kag malab-ot ang kadalag-an. ICPO is proud enough to say that we had done something, we had achieved something, and we can do more when we unite and support each other. Again, congratulations. Let us move forward for the best in the days to come. To God be the greatest glory until the next Dinagyang,” Coronica added.
To recall, 8,607 strong Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel, force multipliers and other government forces were deployed to ensure the safety of the public during the festival.
For her part, ICPO spokesperson Major Shella Mae Sangrines said the key components of the overall security plan were the enforcement of gun prohibition and strict imposition of safety procedures.
On the other hand, Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor, director of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), commended the security forces composed of personnel from the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Regional Maritime Unit 6, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection 6, City Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office, and partners from the academe.
“The success of the Dinagyang Festival is, in no small part, attributable to the exceptional security coverage provided by policemen, other law enforcement agencies, and force multipliers/advocacy and volunteer groups. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of all attendees and dignitaries has not gone unnoticed and is sincerely appreciated. Thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication to maintaining a secure Iloilo City during the festival. Your exemplary service reflects positively on our community and contributes to the overall success and reputation of the Dinagyang Festival,” Villaflor said./PN
