Gun ban starts; zero crime target

A gun ban is in effect in Iloilo City in Western Visayas starting yesterday to ensure the safety of revelers during the Dinagyang Festival street dancing on Sunday, January 22.

Senior Superintendent Remus Zacarias Canieso, acting director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), said uniformed personnel of PNP, Armed Forces and other law enforcement agencies are exempted from the gun ban.

“Our efforts are aimed not only to make the festival successful but also we are aiming for a zero major crime incident during Dinagyang Festival 2017,” said Canieso.

Some 3,606 police and civilian volunteers will be deployed until Sunday.

Dinagyang, a festival in honor of Señor Sto. Niño, is expected to attract at least a million visitors.

The fluvial and foot proces- sion were held yesterday while the Ati Tribes competition will be held on Sunday.

Police teams will be deployed in the five judging stages and along the parade routes.

Canieso said mobile jails courtesy of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) are on standby in case there will be apprehended violators of laws and city’s ordinances.

Meanwhile, the Iloilo City Health Office ( CHO) has deployed ambulances and emergency responders.

Dr. Bernard Caspe, City Health Officer, said that with the big crowd in the next three days, emergency responders expect cases of fainting and minor cuts or abrasions.

Caspe appealed to those who have medical conditions to just stay at home or avoid the crowd.