AKLAN — Nearly 3,000 police personnel have been deployed in identified festival zones in Kalibo, Aklan to ensure peace and order during the celebration of the Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival 2026.
The deployment includes local police units and augmentation forces from various parts of Western Visayas, tasked to strengthen police visibility, crowd management, traffic control, and rapid response operations throughout the festival period.
The Ati-Atihan Festival officially started on January 9 and will run until January 18, with thousands of devotees and tourists expected to flock to Kalibo for the major highlights of the celebration.
On the evening of January 12, police officers were already positioned around Kalibo Pastrana Park on the first day of major street festivities. Philippine National Police officials said foot patrols, mobile patrol units, and quick reaction teams were strategically deployed along major roads and at entry and exit points surrounding the festival zone to ensure immediate response to any emergency.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Jerick Vargas was also seen personally monitoring the movements of street dancing bands within the festival zone to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incidents.
Authorities urged the public to cooperate with law enforcement, strictly follow security protocols, and immediately report any suspicious behavior or situations to help ensure a peaceful and orderly Ati-Atihan celebration./PN
