ILOILO City — This city will roll out stricter security controls, including a temporary gun ban, a pause on protest permits, and tighter entry checks, as it braces for the peak days of the Dinagyang Festival from January 22 to 25.
Mayor Raisa Treñas signed Executive Order No. 006, Series of 2026, directing law enforcers to heighten security for one of the country’s largest religious and cultural gatherings, which annually draws massive crowds to street dances, parades, and devotionals honoring the Santo Niño.
Under the order, the Philippine National Police will take the lead in operations following its Major Event Security Framework, with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies providing support. Authorities are expected to close key roads and deploy checkpoints across major activity zones to manage crowds and ensure public safety.
A citywide gun ban will be enforced until January 25, suspending permits to carry firearms outside residences. Only authorized police, military, and law enforcement personnel will be allowed to carry arms during the festival period.
Permits for rallies and protests — by both civilian and government-linked groups — will be temporarily suspended, while political slogans, propaganda, and partisan colors are barred within festival venues. The city and police will intervene should unauthorized assemblies arise.
Drone flights are prohibited unless prior clearance is obtained from festival organizers and the city’s public safety office. The use of firecrackers and similar pyrotechnics is restricted to entities with permits, and prank or bomb jokes and other acts that could trigger public alarm are banned.
Festival attendees are advised to avoid bringing backpacks unless they are clear or see-through, as physical frisking and checkpoints will be in place at all entry points to performance and activity areas.
Alcohol sales and public drinking will be allowed only from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. between January 22 and 26, subject to existing ordinances, including restrictions on sales to minors. City inspectors and police units have been tasked to conduct regular compliance checks.
City officials said the measures are meant to safeguard residents, visitors, performers, and responders while ensuring the orderly and peaceful conduct of festivities that have made Iloilo a major national tourism draw. The executive order took effect immediately upon signing on January 21./PN
