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[av_heading tag=’h3′ padding=’10’ heading=’CROWD CONTROL ‘ color=” style=’blockquote modern-quote’ custom_font=” size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ custom_class=” admin_preview_bg=” av-desktop-hide=” av-medium-hide=” av-small-hide=” av-mini-hide=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=”]
BY CAROLYN JANE ABELLO
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January 18, 2018
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Spectators can be a major Dinagyang problem
ILOILO City – Controlling the crowd during the Dinagyang Festival highlights on Jan. 27 and 28 could be a major problem, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), and it is preparing for this.
The Dinagyang opening salvo Friday last week gave the CDRRMO a glimpse of the challenge it faces.
While the office declared the salvo – a preview of the performances of groups in the ati–ati tribes competition – peaceful and orderly, it said it would focus on crowd control.
Huge crowds are expected to watch the ati-ati tribes competition on Jan. 28 and the Kasadyahan regional festival contest a day before it in five judging areas – Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo provincial capitol, Delgado-Mabini streets, Quezon-Ledesma streets, and Maria Clara area.
At last week’s opening salvo, the CDRRMO activated its Local Incident Management Team and Incident Command Post to respond to emergencies.
The Local Incident Management Team has formed several medical units.
The CDRRMO is also partnering with the volunteer fire brigade Iloilo City Action Group.
Recently, CDRRMO called for a “tactical meeting” with concerned agencies such as the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), City Health Office, Philippines Red Cross – Iloilo Chapter, General Services Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Tourism Office, and Transportation Management and Traffic Regulation Office.
Some 5,000 security forces would be mobilized to secure the city. Of these, 2,000 are policemen, according to Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas, city police director.
The rest are members of the Philippine Army and force multipliers (some 1,000 students from various universities and barangay tanods, among others).
The police is imposing a weeklong gun ban beginning Jan. 23. Except for law enforcers on duty and in uniform, no one will be allowed to carry firearms.
The city government requested the Philippine National Police to suspend PTCFORs or permits to carry firearms outside of residence from Jan. 23 to 29.
Citing security concerns, the ICPO has urged revelers not to bring backpacks during the two-day highlights of the festival. Those with sinister plans could conceal contrabands in backpacks, explained Biñas.
Policemen have been ordered to stop those bringing backpacks in their tracks for a thorough inspection and, if necessary, for questioning.
Biñas also said the police would not allow people to bring items that could be used to inflict harm. These include pointed and sharp objects such as barbeque sticks, knives and bolos.
Revelers won’t be allowed to bring glass bottles, too.
Those that would bring these items would be arrested, said Biñas.
Marking its 50th anniversary this year, Dinagyang is Iloilo City’s version of the Ati-atihan celebrations widely observed not only in Panay Island but also in other parts of the country. It may not be as ancient as the one in Kalibo, Aklan but it is known more for the participants’ impressive choreography and striking costumes that reflect the ingenuity, craftsmanship and artistry of the Ilonggos.
Dinagyang is the Hiligaynon word for revelry or merrymaking. The festival started in 1967 when a replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu was brought to the San Jose Church.
The image, accompanied by devotees from Cebu, was enthusiastically received by the Ilonggos who danced on the streets of the city to the tune of rumbling drums./PN
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