BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO City – The Site Task Group (STG) Dinagyang is strengthening efforts against the proliferation of illegal drugs as the Dinagyang Festival 2023 highlights draw near.
STG Dinagyang is composed of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO), barangay officials, and other force multipliers.
The site task group and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6 (PDEA-6) are jointly securing seaports and land transport terminals where illegal drugs could possibly slip.
Also, the PNP has checkpoints.
“We have border control checkpoints and may mga coordination kita sa Coast Guard kay ang posible nga entry point mahalin sa aton nga mga pantalan. Kag prior to Dinagyang Festival nagabutang na kita sang border control checkpoints,” said Police Captain Julieta R. Sequio of the STG Dinagyang. Meanwhile, as part of the security measures for this year’s festival, an 11-day gun ban is being enforced from Jan. 13 to 23. Only police personnel are allowed to carry firearms.
STG Dinagyang added that carrying sharp objects and other deadly weapons are prohibited.
“Naga-appeal gid ako sa aton pumoluyo nga magbuliganay kita to have a peaceful and safer Dinagyang Festival 2023. Tumana niyo lang ang ginapangayo sang aton kapulisan kay para man ina tanan sa aton,” added Sequio./PN
