ILOILO City – The festivities in Jaro district in honor of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles), have been peaceful.
According to Police Captain Eduardo Siacon, chief of the Jaro police station, no major crimes causing public disturbance or petty crimes were reported.
He estimated that thousands of devotees inside the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral and thousands more outside participated in every mass.
“People seemed to time their arrivals, probably knowing the schedule, because as one mass ended, many entered while others left,” he said.
According to Siacon, the visible presence of law enforcers, including those from the Iloilo City Police Office and force multipliers around Jaro Plaza, deterred crimes. This group included the organic members from the Jaro police station and the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).
Jeck Conlu, the head of the PSTMO, stationed in front of the Jaro Cathedral, joined the effort in monitoring the situation and foot traffic along with force multipliers.
“The volume of people was high but the foot traffic in the area was manageable,” Conlu told Panay News.
This year, the PSTMO and city government restricted ambulant vendors at Jaro Plaza, except for those selling perdon candles, rosaries, and other accessories related to the feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Instead, they were provided space along the road at Robinsons Place Jaro.
In terms of security measures, there were no adjustments by the PSTMO and the Jaro police, as devotees were cooperative, especially in observing the “one entrance, one exit” policy and in having their backpacks checked before entering the vicinity of Jaro Cathedral.
“There were no adjustments to the deployment plan, and we hope to maintain this as Mayor Jerry Treñas directed us to ensure there are no major incidents or even minor ones. That’s why our police use megaphones to remind the faithful that we need to be vigilant,” Conlu said.
Devotees Offer Prayers and Intentions
Devotees from not only around Iloilo City but across the region visited Jaro Cathedral to offer their prayers of gratitude and intention.
Julie Puertogallera, from Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, was among them. She offered prayers and purchased perdon candles.
“We pray every day, but we also dedicate time today, not just for festivities or strolling, but to spend time in her home,” Puertogallera said.
This year, her prayers to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria included peace and unity among all leaders. “Hopefully, all of Iloilo will be granted peace and joy, and all the leaders in the Philippines will unite for the sake of the people, as we are all struggling,” she added.
According to Jedamer Jabasa from Lambunao, Iloilo, she visited Jaro Cathedral to worship and thank Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria for all the blessings in her life and her family. “Every day, we pray for help, especially now that we are facing problems and many calamities have occurred, so we really pray for that. Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria truly helps us because she also has a child,” Jabasa said.
Lourdes Millezo, from Tabuc Suba, Jaro district, echoed this sentiment. This year, she is praying for good health.
For Millezo, almost all her prayers to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria have been answered, and she believes she isn’t burdened by anything in her life because of her faith.
“We were affected by a fire, but we were able to rebuild our home. Just pray to her,” Millezo said. /PN
