The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) is deploying some 2,000 policemen, soldiers, and force multipliers to secure the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, which opened Saturday.

Col. Thomas Joseph Martir, ZCPO director, said the policemen are from the Special Action Force (SAF), Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9 (RMFB-9), and the 900 new police who are undergoing Field Training Program (FTP).

Martir said the soldiers are from the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion, which is under the Task Force Zamboanga, while the force multipliers are the barangay tanods (village watchmen) and private security agencies. They will be assigned to various venues of activities including at the shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar.

The Smoke Out Zamboanga – Grilled Food Fiesta and the Zamboanga Grand Midnight Sale will mark the opening of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival, the highlight of which is the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar on October 12.

The two activities will run from September 28 to October 12, from 9 a.m. – 12 midnight.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has issued an executive order prohibiting the parking of motorcycles, four-wheel vehicles, unauthorized flying of drones (except by the police and military), bringing of backpacks, and wearing of certain clothing and accessories in particular certain areas in this city from September 28 to October 13.

Salazar said the prohibition aims to ensure the safety and security of people during the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival in honor of the feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar on October 12.

Martir said they have also laid down security measures for the other activities such as the float parade, street dancing, and regatta. (PNA)