BY JEN BAYLON
AKLAN – The Aklan Police Provincial Office has implemented a seven-day gun ban in Kalibo during the celebration of this year’s Ati-Atihan Festival.
The suspension of permits to carry or transport firearms outside of residence or place of business took effect from Monday, Jan. 15 to Jan. 21, according to Police Colonel Victor Romanillos Jr., provincial director of Aklan police.
Earlier, the Aklan provincial police PPO confirmed requesting the office of Philippine National Police chief Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr. for a signal shutdown. It was supported by a resolution passed by the Kalibo Municipal Council, for three hours on Jan. 21 or during the festival highlights.
Some 2,000 police personnel, together with personnel from other law enforcement agencies and force multipliers, were deployed around the municipality. A send-off ceremony for the deployment of police personnel to the Ati-Atihan Festival was held yesterday, Jan. 16, at Camp Pastor Martelino in Barangay New Buswang, Kalibo.
The Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, known as the ‘Mother of All Philippine Festivals,’ draws thousands of residents and tourists each year.
The gun ban is one of the security measures to ensure the safety of all attendees throughout the week-long festivities during the highly anticipated religious event.
Emergency responders and force multipliers are also on standby. Border controls, assistance desks in strategic areas, and pedestrian screening areas in the festival zone were also in place.
Among the crowd drawers are Paeapak from Jan. 12 to 21, Hala Bira Ati-Atihan Nights from Jan. 15 to 21, Sinaot sa Calle on Jan. 16 and 17, Aklan Higante Contest and Local Government Unit Parade, Bamboo Concert (Pook Port) and Kapuso Night (Pastrana Park) on Jan. 18, Kalibo Sadsad Ati-Atihan Contest on Jan. 20, Pilgrims Mass, and religious processions on Jan. 21./PN
