The 2,878 security personnel, particularly that of the Philippine National Police (PNP), were advised to make a “lasting impression” following Thursday’s deployment of the Task Group Security Dinagyang 2020 that would secure the festival celebration.
“We need you to make a lasting impression, the one that speaks for the whole PNP organization. By displaying courtesy and proficiency, you are projecting an image of a professional law enforcer,” Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, director of Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas), said in his message during the ceremony.
Pamuspusan ordered his men to avoid using cellular phones while on the beat and instead be always on alert. “Those who will be found remiss on their duty will be dealt with accordingly,” he warned.
Of the security forces, 1,940 are augmentation personnel from PRO-6; some 707 from the Iloilo City Police Office; 97 from the 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army; and 134 from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Others will be emergency responders from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and Bureau of Fire Protection.
An additional 2,128 force multipliers composed of students, non-government organizations, barangay peacekeeping action teams, volunteer groups, and radio groups, among others will also serve as force multipliers.
“Today, as we send you off to the first major security deployment in Iloilo this year, I want you all to internalize the thought that the success of this undertaking will set the tone for subsequent major deployments,” Pamuspusan said.
He added that similar to their very successful security coverage of the Kalibo Ati-atihan last week, they also would like to ensure zero crime incidents this Dinagyang.
“I am sure that with the same preparations and focus for the Dinagyang, I am confident that we will have the same result, which is to have a zero major incident for the festivities,” Pamuspusan said, noting that the Dinagyang fest “is an avenue to showcase our capability, commitment, and professionalism in serving the public.”
The highlight of the Dinagyang fest will start on Friday with the competition of the drum and lyre corps in the morning, a fluvial parade and foot procession in the afternoon, and floats parade of lights in the evening that would be capped with a back-to-back fireworks display in the Iloilo Business Park and SM City.
On Saturday, thousands of revelers are expected to join nine barangay-based tribes in the merrymaking dubbed as Dagyang sa Calle Real that will stretch from Plaza Libertad to Solis Street in the morning.
The religious “sadsad” or merrymaking at 7 p.m. will be led by the San Jose Parish. The entire stretch of Calle Real will also be illuminated.
On Sunday, eight school-based tribes will compete for the Ati-ati tribe competition. (PNA)
