ILOILO City — The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has ramped up its campaign against illegal drugs as the 2026 Dinagyang Festival highlights approach on January 24 and 25.
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, officer-in-charge of the ICPO, said he has directed all station commanders to strengthen community monitoring and coordination to gather intelligence on the movement of drug personalities.
“We are implementing a comprehensive strategy to prevent the entry of drugs because we anticipate a surge in demand during the festivities,” Parilla said. “Malaki ang demand so we expect na malaking volume ng drugs ang papasok,” said Parilla.
To ensure the safety of thousands of spectators, the ICPO will deploy approximately 4,000 uniformed personnel and more than 2,000 force multipliers.
Parilla likewise cautioned the public against pickpockets, salisi gangs, and other lawless elements looking to exploit the event.
He further advised revelers to remain vigilant and avoid carrying large sums of money, wearing expensive jewelry, or bringing backpacks.
Meanwhile, Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director Colonel Bayani Razalan has also intensified monitoring at potential transit points for traffickers, including local ports, airports, and terminals. This initiative involves close coordination with other government agencies, such as the Philippine Coast Guard, to utilize K9 sniffing dogs for intercepting contraband.
“I have already directed my men to watch over local ports and the movements of their target personalities,” Razalan added./PN
