ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported zero major security incidents during the February 2 Jaro district and religious fiesta, crediting tight police deployment, inter-agency coordination, and public cooperation for ensuring a peaceful celebration of the Feast of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria.
A total of 160 police personnel were deployed across key areas in Jaro, including the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, procession route, and major public spaces, under the command of Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Office.
The City Tactical and Operations Center (CTOC) maintained round-the-clock monitoring from 5 a.m. on February 1 until 5 a.m. on February 3, covering the height of religious activities and public gatherings. Police authorities said no significant untoward incidents were recorded throughout the duration of the fiesta.
Police operations focused on crowd management, traffic control, and visible patrols, with quick-response units positioned to immediately address any potential disturbances. The strategy, ICPO said, helped ensure the safety of thousands of devotees and visitors who flocked to Jaro for one of the country’s biggest religious celebrations.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the community of faith, the residents of Jaro, and all stakeholders whose discipline and cooperation made this celebration peaceful and orderly. Above all, this proves once again that Iloilo City is truly the home of peace-loving people,” Parilla said.
Police officials said the incident-free celebration underscored the importance of coordination between law enforcement, local government units, church leaders, and the public in managing large-scale religious events.
With the conclusion of the Jaro fiesta, ICPO said lessons from this year’s security operations will be used to further strengthen preparations for future major gatherings, as the city continues to position itself as a safe destination for faith-based and cultural events./PN
