ILOILO City – Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed to secure today’s expected gathering of thousands of Marian devotees for the Feast of the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles).
Police Captain Eduardo Siacon, chief of the Jaro police station, said since Friday they have implemented tight security measures around the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral.
“We all know that thousands of people are attending the Jaro fiesta, as well as devotees who will go to the churc. We need more policemen to secure the crowd and devotees,” said Siacon.
The Iloilo City Police Office sent 250 personnel to augment law enforces of the Jaro police station and they also utilized force multipliers including barangay officials.
Aside from police personnel, members from the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine
Coast Guard, and Philippine Red Cross and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will also be on standby in case of emergency.
Siacon advised the public to expect a stricter security measures especially in the entrance and exit areas.
He also warned not to bring backpack, deadly weapons, pointed objects and firearms so that the flow of traffic will not be hampered.
“We are appealing the public not to bring prohibited things when entering Jaro proper. I’m also appealing for those who will partake in today’s activities not to bring huge amount of money and keep their electronic gadgets snatchers and pickpockets,” Siacon added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) national headquarters had approved the gun ban in relation of Jaro fiesta that started on Jan. 30 and will end on Feb. 3.
He said so far, they have yet to apprehend gun ban violators.
Early morning today, all areas near the church will be closed as the Holy Mass will start at 4 a.m./PN
