ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) will be mobilizing 250 police personnel to keep the 2019 Paraw Regatta on Feb. 17 peaceful and orderly.
People are expected to flock the shores of Arevalo district for the annual race of wind-propelled double outrigger sailboats called paraw on the Iloilo Strait between this city and Guimaras province.
“The police will ensure that no petty crimes or untoward incidents will happen,” said Senior Superintendent Martin Defensor, city police director.
Paraw Regatta is the oldest sailing event in Asia.
Defensor had a tip to spectators: do not bring huge sums of money or wear expensive jewelry that would attract thieves.
“We urge people to pay attention to their personal belongings while watching the boat race,” said Defensor.
Paraw Regatta was established more than four decades ago primarily to preserve the paraw as a significant link to the earliest period of Ilonggo history. Its conception also served as an addition to the booming tourism industry of Iloilo City and the island province of Guimaras.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), on the other hand, will be deploying 243 coastguards and 12 patrol boats.
PCG Iloilo’s Lieutenant Commander Rodolfo dela Peña said their patrol craft and sub-vessel will be deployed to the Iloilo Strait while aluminum boats would be posted along perimeter areas.
“We will have one patrol boat from our office and other from one from Philippine Navy, three aluminum boats, one volunteer rubber boat, one rubber boat from the special operation group, one rubber boat from Philippine Red Cross, and rented motorboats,” said dela Peña./PN
