Jaro fiesta 2019 peaceful, orderly – ICPO

ILOILO City – No major crime incidents were recorded in the Jaro annual religious fiesta, according to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

ICPO spokeswoman Senior Inspector Shella Mae Sangrines said yesterday’s celebration was “peaceful and orderly.”

Sangrines attributed this to the maximum deployment of 280 police personnel from the ICPO and the district’s police station.

“As of 6 p.m., no major incidents happened…the deployment of hundreds of police personnel and force multipliers was among the factors,” she said.

Sangrines added that the public also cooperated with the security measures imposed during the celebration.

“Our police were really strict in frisking to make sure that no deadly weapons, guns and explosives enter the church,” she added.

Thousands of devotees from across Western Visayas flock the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral for the feast of Nuestra Señora dela Candelaria (Our Lady of Candles).

Tight security measures have been implemented not only in Jaro cathedral but also in other churches across city following the twin bombing incident in Jolo, Sulu on Jan. 27, which killed at least 21 persons and injured over 100 others.

The Jolo blast was followed by another one in a mosque in Zamboanga City past midnight last Wednesday, claiming two lives and leaving at least four injured.

Aside from cops, personnel from the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Red Cross also helped in securing the fiesta.

Village watchmen acted as force multipliers, too.

Only one gate was used for entry and exit at the cathedral. Police assistance desks were also set up.

The city government also provided at least 15 wheelchairs that helped senior citizens who attended the mass./PN

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